THE 







FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER, 

COMPRISING A 

HISTORICAL DESDRIPTION OF ALL THE VARIETIES OF THAT NOBLE 
AND USEFUL ANIMAL, 



THE horse; 



GIVING INSTRUCTIONS IN ALL THINGS THAT RELATE TO HIM J HIS REARING, 
FEEDING, TRAINING, FATTENING AND TREATMENT; WITH A 

DESCRIPTION OF ALL THE DISEASES TO WHICH HE IS LIABLE, 

THEIR CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT, 

And the best remedies to be applied to restore the animal to health ; 

accompanied with the Annals of the Turf, American Stud Book, 

Rules for Training, Racing, &c. 

WITH A 

PRIZE ESSAY ON MULES AND THEIR COMPARATIVE VALUE, 

INTERSPERSED WITH NOTES : 

WITH AN APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING AN ADDITIONAL NUMBER OF ORIGINAL AND SELECTED RECEIPTS 
FOR THE CURE OF THE VARIOUS DISEASES IN 

HORSES, CATTLE, SHEEP, HOGS, DOGS & POULTRY, 

Comprising every thing necessary to be known in relation to their 

Rearage and Treatment, and Cures of the various Diseases 

to which they are severally liable, 

also : 

ADDENDA, 

DESCRIBING ONE HUNDRED & FIFTY PLANTS AND MEDICINES. 



ILLUSTRATED WITH SEVERAL PLATES. 



Selected, compiled and translated from the best German & English 
works extant on this subject, with numerous additions, &c, &c, 

• 

BY L DANIEL RUPP. 



PUBLISHED 
BY ISAAC L. ESHLEMAN, LANCASTER, PA ., 

1844. 



Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1842, by 
GILBERT HILLS, 

in the Clerk's office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Penn- 
sylvania, 






JOHN H. PEARSOL, PRINTER, LANCASTER, PA, 



PREFACE, 



It seems necessary, on this occasion, to detain the reader with 
a word or two, by way of preface to this compilation. 

When the compiler was called on to prepare a " Horse Doctor 
Book" he was taken by surprise — it was with much diffidence he 
consented to undertake the task. However, having had access 
to some of the best works extant on this subject, and possessing a 
considerable collection of original receipts, which were furnished 
him while editor of the " Practical Farmer," he soon resolved 
to comply with the wishes of the Publisher ; and he produced a 
book, which, in the estimation of some, is considered to be a 
useful work. 

The Authors he consulted, are the following : Farmer's and 
Sportsman's Vade-Mecum; Smith, on Breeding; American Far- 
mer; Annals of the Turf; Loudon, on the Varieties of the Horse; 
Mason's Improved Farrier; G. S. Winter's Pferde Arzt; Genesee 
Farmer; J. M. JefFerey's Horse Farrier; Montague's Farrier; 
Pocket Farrier; Barnum's American Farrier; Diegendesh's Ross 
Arzt; Duvall, on Training Horses; S. W. Pomeroy, on the Mule; 
Farmer's Cabinet ; Loudon's Treatise on Cattle ; Memoire sur le 
Vormissement, par T, Girard ; Loudon's Agricultural Encyclpse- 



IV PREFACE. 

dia; Dr. Vandeveer, on Dogs; Baltimore Farmer and Gardener; 
M'Kenziey's Five Thousand Receipts; Journal Pratique, Zuend's 
Thier Arzenei; Complete Farrier; besides many others. Of all 
of these, the best use has been made. 
With these remarks, the book is disposed. 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Abdomen described, 


page 64 


Bruises, liniment for, page 


179 


Age of a horse, how known, 


27 


Burdon's ointment, 


343 


Altechi horse, 


13 


Buffon, on the color of horses, 


25 


American horse, 


21 






Anodyne for pains of the ear, 


78 


Chest, diseases of, 


119 


Anticor, or swelled throat, 


114 


warbles and sitfasts, 


119 


Annals of the turf, 


235 


chest founder, 


120 


American stud book, 


225 


dropsy, 


122 


Appetite, loss of, in horses, 


205 


diseases of the heart, 


123 


Apoplexy, 


71 


inflammation, 


124 


Arteries described, 


61 


fever, 


127 


Ascaris or thread worms, 


167 


diseases of the lungs, 


130 


Astringent drinks,-^ 


112, 166 


. lungs, inflammation of, 


131 


washes, 99, 120, 


178, 181 


pleurisy, 


138 


pastes, 


191 


catarrh, or common cold, 


139 






malignant epidemic, 


142 


Back bones, description of, 


55 


Chinese horse, account of, 


14 


Barb horse, 


12 


Carriage horse, 


20 


Balls, how to be given, 


211 


Conestoga horse, 


21 


purgative, 71 


, 73, 149 


Castrating, 35 


,224 


farcy ball, 


106 


Colts should be handled young, 


37 


ghnder ball, 


98 


Color of horses, '22, 25 


alternative, 


111 


Canker, 108 


109 


diuretic, 


122 


Catarrh or cold, 139 


, 149 


chronic cough, 


143 


Chronic cough, 


143 


expectorant, 


149 


Cough, how to cure, 


149 


for gripes, 
jaundice, 


161 


Cicuta maculata, 


152 


170 


Cardialgy, 


123 


diabetes, 


175 


Cranium, description of, 


51 


Betting at races, 


306 


Cataract of the eye, 


83 


Big head, 


67 


Cacoethas crescendi morborum, 


106 


Bladder, inflammation of, 


175 


Coffin joints, strains of, 


183 


Blaze or star, to make one, 


206 


Curb, inflammation of, 


185 


Bleeding, how to be done, 


217 


Chronic founder, 


194 


Bleeding paste, 


207 


Corns, 


195 


Blistering and firing, 


214 


Crib biting, 49 


204 


Blisters, 75, 178, 


179, 332 


Condition of a horse, 


207 


Blooded horses, how raised, 


45 


to bring a horse into, 


208 


Blood spavin. 
Bog spavin, x. 


129 


Clystering a horse, 


215 


129 


Capulet, 


184 


Breeding of Horses, 


31 


Carpus or wrist, 


58 


Breeding mares, properties of, 


31 


Colic, spasmodic, 158, 


332 


Broken-winded, 


146 


Clysters, 73, 75, 79, 83 


159 


Bronchitis, 


139 


Catarrhal fever, or distemper, 139 


141 


Bronchotomy, operation of, 


118 


Cure for bite of mad dog, 386 


387 


Bots, various remedies, 153, 


156, 331 


Concave shoe, 


226 






IV 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Calkins, 


page 


230 


Expanded shoe, 


page 233 


Clips, 




231 


Elfshotten cattle, 


355 


Charcoal for hogs, 




377 






Cross-breeding of turf horse, 




241 


Feet, and their diseases, 


193 


Costiveness, 




333 


founder, 


193 


Cramp, 




332 


pumiced feet, 


195 


Cud, loss of, 




354 


corns, 


195 


Canine asthma, 




377 


thrush, 


196 


madness, 




383^ 


pricking a horse, 


197 


Calves, raising of, 




364 


quittor, 


198 


Cows and oxen, diseases of, 




350 


narrow heels, 


199 


Cords, or gut-tie, 




354 


Food of horses, various, 


35 


Cutting, or spaying, 




377 


French horse, account of, 
Findland horse, 


16 

17 


Diseased condition of a horse, 




209 


Flemish horse, 


17 


Diseases, infectious ones, to prevent 


43 


Farmer's horse, 


20 


Digestion, how impeded, 




37 


Feeding of horses, 


35 


Diseases of horses, arrangement of, 


6 V 


Fattening of horses, 


38 


of the head, 




67 


Farcy, 


103 


of the neck, 




112 


Fever powders, 


129 


of the stomach, 




151 


Facial bones described, 


53 


of the legs, 




177 


Femur, or thigh bone, 


59 


of the feet, 




193 


Fomentations, 


176, 212 


of the skin, 




199 


Fungus wash, 


108 


Diseases of the heart, 




123 


Fistula, 


112,335 


Diaphragm, 




151 
333 


Foxing, operation of, 
Felt, or leather soles, 


223 


Diabetes or profuse staling, 


174 


234 


Dropsy of the skin, 




122 


Film in a horse's eye, 


334 


Diarrhea, 




165 


Fever among cattle, 


356 


Drinks, how to give, 




211 


Fits, dogs subject to, 


380 


Driving horses, 




207 






Dongola horse, account of, 




12 


Gangrene succeeds inflammation, 


Draught horse, 




21 


Gelding of colts, 


34 


Dark stables hurtful, 




48 


Gutta serena, 


83 


Diuretic powders and balls, 




122 


Glanders, 


88, 335 


Distemper or fever, 127, 


139 


333 


contagious, 


94 


Drenches, 78, 84, 101, 155, 


156 


137 


prevention of, 


96 


160, 161, 165, 174, 


194 


205 


Gullet, stricture of, 


118 


Docking, operation of, 




224 


Gleet, nasal, 


87 


Dissertation on the mule, 




310 


Grease, 


190, 336 


Ducks, raising of, 




390 


German horses, account of, 


15 


Dogs, diseases of, 




377 


Glass eyes, 

Glands, swollen, plaster for, 


83 
99 


Egyptian domesticated horses, 




10 


Gall bladder, horse has none, 


66, 168 


East India horse, 




14 


Grubs or bots, 


153 


English horse, 




18 


remedies for, 


155 


Epilepsy or fits, 




76 


to prevent, 


156 


Ear, diseases of, 




78 


Grain sickness, 


357 


Eye, described, 


62, i 


Glanders and strangles, how distin- 


Eye, diseases of, 




81 


guished, 


91 


Epidemic, malignant, 


\* 


J42 


Galls, or windgalls, 


335 


Exercise of horses, important, 




50 


Gigs, small tumors, 


335 


Eye-soundness, criteria of, 




63 


Gripes or gullion, 


336 


Eyes, Winter's remarks on, 




83 


Geese, raising of, 


389 


Eye-salve, 




84 






Eye-water, 84 


,85, 


334 


Hair, shedding of, 


203 


Escharotics, 




107 


Head, horse's, diseases of, 


67 


Embrocation, , 77,82,120 


121 


181 


hemicrania, 


70 


182,206, 


334 


staggers, 


72 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Head, diseases of the nose, page 86 

diseases of the mouth, 108 
Heaves, how to cure effectually, 150 

Horse, history and variety of, 9, 2 1 

good qualities of, 22 

age, to tell by feeling, 29 

Hemicrania, 70 

Hooks, cutting of, 85 

Heart, diseases of, 123 

Highblower, 149 

Horse powder, Strasburgian, 207 

Horses, wild ones, 11 

Holland horse, 17 

Homer quoted, 10 

Hock, liable to injuries, 185, 186 

Humurus or arm bone, 57 

Horse ointment, 199 

Hiera picra, 78 

Hinder shoe, how to form, 231 

Hidebound, 201, 336 
Hinny, how known from the mule, 309 

Handy Cap races, 306 

Horse spice, 337 

Heels, kibed, 337 

Hydrophobia, 386 

Stoy's cure for, 387 

Hydatids in sheep, 369 

Horn distemper, 357 

Hoves, or fog sickness, 358 

Inflammation of the lungs, causes of, 137 

Iceland horse, account of, 16 

Infectious diseases prevented, 43 

Italian horses, 17- 

Ischius described, 59 

Imposthumes, 78 

Intestines, diseases of, 158, 338 

Inflammation treated of, 124, 128 

of the lungs, , 137 

of the kidneys, 172 
Ives, or vives, 111,112,337 

Jaundice or yellows, 169 

Jockeys, to guard against them, 30 

tricks of, 28, 96 

Job's description of a war horse, 10 

Journey, a horse on, how to treat, 39 

Joint oil, loss of, 359 

Kalmuck horse, description of, 15 

Kadischi horse, 13 

Kidneys described, 65 

inflammation of, 1 72 

Knees broken, 178, 338 

King of oils, 211 

Kernels under the throat, 338 

Kicks, how cured, 338 

Knots, fleshy ones 338 

Kidney worms, 376 



Legs, the diseases of, page 177 

sprains of shoulders, 177 

splentor splint, 180 

sinews sprained, 181, 

rupture of tendons, 182 

fetlocks and coffins strained, 183 

bog spavin,- 185 

bone spavin, 186 

springhalt or stringhalt, 188 

swelled legs, 189 

Locked jaw or tetanus, 74 

Laxative drink, 107, 128, 137 

Lampas, 108 

Liniment for bruises, 179 

Lax or scouring, 164, 338, 339 

Lambs, diseases of, 368 

Liquid opodeldoc, 343 

Lice in cattle, 359 

Management, general, of the horse, 31 
to endure great fatigue, 42 
to prevent infectious 

diseases, 43 

of race horses, 44 

mode of raising, 45 

Mare, breeding properties of, 31, 33 
Mare with foal, 32 

Mad staggers, 73 

Mouth, diseases of, 86 

Mares generally have no tushes, 27 

Manger feeding, common, 35 

Muscles and nerves, 61 

Membrana nictitans, 86 

Malanders, 187, 340 

Moulting, shedding of hair, 203 

Moon blindness, 82 

Murray's remarks on hooks, 86 

Markham's moss- water prepared, 102 
Milk fever in cows, 360 

Malignant epidemic, 144, 342 

Milt or spleen, 65 

Montague on glanders, 102 

Medicines, remarks on, 66 

Mash, 340 

Mule, description of, 309 

Maggots in the head, 369 

Morfounder, 340 

Medicines and drugs described, 393 

Madness, 381 

Murrain cured, 35 L 

Measles in hogs, 376 

Mange, in horses, 200, 339 

cattle, 360 

swine, 376 

dogs, 385 

Neck, diseases to which the horse 

is liable, 1 12 

poll-evil, 113 



t: 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Native place of the horse., 


page 10 


Poultry, fattening of, 


page 392 


Norwegian horse, 




17 


Pomeroy on the mule, 




310 


Nasal gleet, 




87 


Pelt rot, 




370 


Narrow heels, 




199 


Purging in sheep, 




370 


Nether joint strain, 




343 








Nail prick, 




342 


Quittorbone, 




345 


Nicking and pullying, 




218 


Quantity of food for a horse, 




36 


Nipples, sore ones. 




369 


Quadrupeds, their base, 
Quinsy or anticor, 




51 
114 


Oats, when not to be given, 




37 


Quittor, 




198 


Opthalmia, 




81 








Occipal bones, 




52 


• Race horses, 18j 


238 


,296 


Ossa tali described, 




58 


Russian horses, 




17 


Oil, king of, 




211 


Rearing of horses, 




34 


Ointments, for nasal gleet, 




88 


Roots, good food for horses,. 




36 


for cure of vives, 




112 


Roaring in horses, 




116 


to cure wounds, 




119 


Rheumatism, 




121 


for swelling, 




176 


Rack, remarks on, 




49 


lor blistering, 


179 


,343 


Rowel, to form one, 


135 


,213 


for broken knees, 




179 


Rupture of tendons, 




182 


horse ointment, 




199 


Ringbone, 


183 


,345 


Turner's ointment, 




188 


Rat-tails, 




188 


Opodeldoc, two kinds, 




343 


Reining tight, improper, 




117 


Oil, British, 




343 


Race horses, improvement of, 




238 


of spike, 




343 


instruction, training, 
from A. T. Reg. 


296 
301 


Persian horse, 




14 


by C. Duval 


, 


299 


Portuguese horse, 




16 


Racing, rules to be observed, 




303 


Polish horse, 




17 


English rules of, 




307 


Phrenitis, or mad staggers , 


73 


,344 


Red water in cattle, 




361 


Palsy, 




77 


in sheep, 




370 


Polypus, 




106 


Rot in sheep, 




371 


Poll-evil, 


175 


,344 








Poultices, 


212,77 


Stomach and intestines, diseases of, 


151 


Pleurisy, 




138 


inflammation of bowels, 


161 


Poison destroys few horses, 


152 


,345 


of liver, 




168 


Pipers, horses so called, 




148 


of kidneys, 


172 


Pumiced foot, 




195 


stone in the bladder, 




175 


Pricks or punctures, 




197 


. swelled sheath, 




176 


Physicking, 




215 


Spanish horse, description of, 




16 


Physics, 71, 73, 74, 76, 79, 98 


,101 


,105 


Swedish horse, 




16 


Piss, to make a horse, 




345 


South American horse, 




11 


Plaster, to cure deep sores, 




345 


Soft water best for horses,. 




36 


Poison, test of, 


152 


153 


Stables, construction of, 




47 


cattle, how cured, 




361 


should be airy, &c, 


47 


, 151 


Powder for chronic cough, 




144 


Staggers, diseases of horses and cattle 


, 72 


for sore eyes, 




84 


Strangles, 


109 


346 


for cleansing, 


99 


100 


Sitfasts, 




119 


diuretic powders, 




122 


Spavin, 




129 


for fever, 




129 


Synovia, or joint oil, 




61 


cough powders, 




150 


Scours or scowers, 




164 


for sand cracks, 




197 


Strangury, 


173, 


174 


Pendro, or turnsick, 




369 


Stone in the bladder, 




175 


Purchasing and selling a horse 




26 


Sheath, swelled, 




176 


Posterior extremities, 




59 


Shoulder sprain, 


177, 


346 


Parotid glands or vives, 




64 


Splent or splint, 




180 


Pullying and nicking, 




218 


Sinews, sprains of, 




181 


Pricking of a horse, 




223 


Spavin, bog, 




185 


Poultry, raising of, 


388, 


390 


bone, 




186 



GENERAL INDEX. 



VII 



Salanders, 


page 187 


Turkeys, 


page 339 


Springhalt or stringhalt, 




188 


Tail sickness in cows, 




362 


Swelled legs, 


171 


, 189 


Tag, disease in sheep, 




372 


Sand cracks, 




197 


Throat stoppage, 




373 


Skin, diseases of, 




199 








Shoeing in winter, how done, 




205 


Ulna described, 




57 


Surfeiting a horse, 




202 


Ulcers, 




347 


Shedding hair, 




203 


Urine, to provoke in a horse, 




348 


Star or blaze, how made, 




206 








Salivation, or slavering in horses, 


206 


Veterinary operations, 




210 


Slavering, to prevent, 




206 


treatment of wounds, 


210 


Spotting a white horse black, 




206 


balls and drinks, 




211 


Stifle, remarks on, 




184 


mode of giving drinks, 


212 


Skin, diseases of, 


199 to 2' 


fomentations, poultices, 


212 


Stumbling of a horse, 




346 


setons and rowels, 




213 


Setons are useful, 




213 


blistering and firing, 


214 


Sprain plaster — and blister, 




178 


clystering and physicing, 215 


Sprains, embrocations for, 




181 


physicing process, 




216 


Salves to cure swelling. 




121 


bronchotomy, 




118 


Scratches, 




346 


Vomiting, in cattle, 




363 


Sheep, comparative value, 




374 


Vives akin to strangles, 


111 


, 112 


Shoeing, directions for, 




226 


Vertebrae, 


54, I 


Swellings of the back, 




346 


Viscera, 




64 


Sheep, diseases of, 




366 


Varieties of glanders, 




100 


Stoy's cure for hydrophobia, 




387 


Veins, cording of, 




103 


Swine, diseases of, 




375 


Vermifuge, 




167 


Salt, not to be given to chickens, 


392 


Veterinary school at Toulouse, 




89 


Sturdiness, 




372 


Vomit, to make a horse, 




348 


Treatment of a horse when fatigued , 42 


Wild horses gregarious, 




11 


on a journey, 




39 


Water, soft best for horses, 




36 


Toorkoman horse, 




15 


Warbles and sitfasts, 




119 


Tartar horse, 




15 


Wheezer and whistler, 




148 


Training of horses, 




37 


Wind-thick horse, 




144 


Tricks of horse jockeys, 


28, 30,! 


Wind-broken horse, cure for, 




147 


Tetanus or locked jaw, 




74 


Worms, 


167 


349 


Tongue, sore one, 




109 


Windgalls, 




182 


Test for poison, 


152 


153 


Whirl bone, strain of, 




183 


Teeth of a horse, 




53 


Warts, 


202 


,348 


Thorax or chest, 


56 


, 102 


Wounds, treatment of, 


210 


,349 


Tapeworm, 




167 


Worm embrocation, 




121 


Tendons, rupture of, 




182 


Wood-evil, 




373 


Thorough-pin, 




184 


Whortleberry used in diabetes 




174 


Turner's cerate, 




187 


Worms in horses, 


167 


,349 


Thrush, running one, 




196 


in cattle, 




364 


Thick-wind, 




144 


in sheep, 




373 


Tonic physic, 


88 


, 101 


in swine, 




276 


Tubercles, in the cells of the 


nose, 


92 


in dogs, 




385 


Tips, or short shoes, 




233 


Worming of whelps, 




385 


Turpentine, the best diuretic, 




172 








Teats, sore ones, 




362 


Yellow water, 


170 


,349 


Tumors, 




347 


Yellows or jaundice in sheep, 




368 



GERMAN INDEX. 



[For German names of Medicine, see Addenda, p. 393.] 




Abwerfung des Haars> page 203 


Lungen Beschwerde, 


page 130 


Augen maengel, 


81 


Entzuendung, 


131 


Bluth-spath, 


129 


Luftroebr Beschwerde, 


139 


Boesartiges Flussfieber, 


142 


Leber Entzuendung, 


168 


Blasen Stein, 


175 


Leichdornen, 


195 


Bruch der Beinsehnen, 


182 


Maulsperre, 


74 


der Flechsen, 


182 


Maulgeschwulst, 


108 


Chronischer Husten, 


143 


Mauken und Raeude, 


187 


Druesen Geschwulst ? 


109 


Mundfaeule, 


196 


Der Magen, 


151 


Naseiter, 


87 


Durchlauff, 


164 


Nacken-Geschwulst, 


113 


Der ausgeglsetete Fuss, 


195 


Nieren-Entzuendang, 


172 


Entzuendung, 


124 


Ohrenkrankheiten, 


78 


der Blase, 


175 


Rotz, 


88 


hintern Kniegelenks, 


185 


Raeude, 


103 


Engerlinge, 


153 


Rcehrgeschwuer, 


112 


Eingeweide Dserme, 


157 


Rehe der Brust y 


120 


Frosch, 


108 


Rehe, 


201 


Feifel, 


111 


Schlagfluss, 


71 


Fistel, 


112 


Schwindel, 


72 


Fieber, 


127 


Starrkrampf, 


74 


Fussraeude, 


190 


Schlag, 


77 


Grosskopf, 


67 


Schnuder, 


88 


Gliederlashmung, 


77 


Schlund's Zusammenziehung, 


118 


Geschwueren in den Ohren, 


78 


Sumpfspath, 


129 


Geschwulst der Brust, 


114 


Seiten Entzuendung, 


138 


Gelbsucht, 


169 


Schlaug-Geschwulst, 


176 


Geschwollene Beine, 


189 


Sandritzen, 


197 


Harnstrenge, 


173 


Steifheit, 


193 


Halbseitiges Kopfweh, 


70 


Ueberbein am Schenkel, 


180 


Himwuth, 


73 


Ueberfuetterung, 


202 


Hinfallende Sucht, 


76 


Ueberbein, 


183 


Hartnaeckige Sattel-drucke, 


119 


Verrenkungen der Schultern, 


177 


Herzkrankheiten, 


123 


der Ruecken Sehnen, 181 


Harnfluss, 


174 


der Kniescheibe 


183 


Hahnentritt, 


188 


der Flechsen 


des 


Huehneraugen, 


195 


Fussgelenks, 


183 


Keichen, 


116 


Vernagelungen, 


197 


Kataarh Verkseltung, 


139 


Wasserscheu, 


386 


Kataarhal-fieber, 


139 


Wassersucht, 


122 


Krsempfige Kolik, 


158 


Wartzen, 


202 


Kniebruch, 


178 


Windgalle, 


182 


Kapsel Erweitung, 


184 


Windbruch, 


146 


Knochen spath, 


186 


Wuermer, 


166 


Kanker, and Kronen Geschwulst, 


198 


Wuth im Mensch oder Vieh, 


387 


Lampas, 


108 


Zasergewsechs, 


106 



PART FIRST. 



In this part of the treatise before us, the horse, by far the most im- 
portant of the brute creation as a servant to man, " Lord of fowl and 
brute," is historically, physically, and anatomically described. The 
diseases and accidents to which he is liable, noticed; the remedies, so 
far as known, specified ; and the treatment to be pursued, to restore 
the diseased animal to wonted health, pointed out. The whole inter- 
spersed with plain, practical directions relative to the general treat- 
ment of the horse, that the most common reader cannot fail to derive 
much valuable knowledge of lasting utility in relation to this animal. 
We have also added The American Annals of the Turf and Stud 
book; directions on racing, &c. The whole forming a Farmer's and 
Sportsman* 's Vade Mecum. 



CHAPTER I. 

HISTORY AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE HORSE. 

Sect. 1. 

The horse is not only justly considered as the noblest of quadru- 
peds, but among the great variety of animals, he stands next to man, 
as an illustrious instance of creating power and a display of goodness. 
To him, we are indebted for our main assistance to plough our fields 
— to haul home the fruits of our harvests into our barns and cellars. 
It is the horse principally that conveys all what we need, even our 
persons from one place to another — from the interior to the most re- 
mote parts of our country — thus administering to our necessities, our 
happiness, pleasure and health. Friends and relatives at a distance, 
he carries with speed and safety. The remotest parts acquire by 
his speed, a kind of proximity, in aiding to transport men and " com- 
munications " from one place to another, though ever so distant. 

Sect. 2. 

The horse, on account of his transcendant services to man, in every 
possible stage of human existence, and for his beautiful shape, his 
powerful muscular strength, his ambitious spirit, his great agility, his 
speed, " swifter than the eagles" (Hab. 1: 8,j his docility, generosi- 
ty and bravery, has been the theme of ancient bards ; of inspired wri- 
2 



10 

ters, and of the modern pen. u The general beauty, the harmony of 
proportion " and his stateliness could not fail to attract the attention 
of a Job of ancient days, so as to constrain him interrogatively to ex- 
claim: Hast thou given the horse strength? Hast thou clothed his 
neck with thunder ? Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? 
The glory of his nostrils is terrible. He paweth in the valley, and 
rejoiceth in his strength : he goeth on to meet the armed men. 
He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted: neither turneth he back 
from the sword. The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering 
spear and the shield. He swalloweth the ground with fierceness 
and rage : neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. 
He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha $ and he smelleth the battle 
afar off, the thunder of the captains and the shouting. — Job 39 : 1 9. 

Sect. 3. 

To have tamed a horse, from his wildness, was in days of yore, 
reckoned a high honor — this was the boast of sceptered princes ; 
and, indeed, among the highest eulogies that Homer., the rapturous 
Grecian bard, could possibly bestow upon Aggamemnon, the com- 
mander-in-chief of the Grecian armies before Troy, was, "he teas a 
tamer of horses." He passed the same encomium upon Pelops, a 
prince of high distinction. 

Sect. 4. 

The Horse's native place cannot be determined with any certainty. 
We may gather from the sacred scriptures, that about 3500 years 
ago, or about 1660 before the birth of Christ, the horse had been do- 
mesticated by the Egyptians. For we read, when Joseph removed 
his father's remains from Egypt to Canaan, " there went up with 
him both chariots and horsemen." — Gen. 50 : 9. 

And about a century and a half after this period, the horse formed 
the principal strength of the Egyptian army. Exod. 14 : 7. — We 
read that Pharaoh, took six hundred chosen chariots — and in verses 
23, 26, That Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen per- 
ished. 

The horse rapidly spread abroad. The Thessalians, the Argo- 
sites and the Athenians were colonists from Egypt, and without doubt 
carried the horse with them. From the sacred volume it appears the 
horse was greatly multiplied and rapidly spread abroad ; for when 
the Israelites returned to Canaan, we read, the Canaanites went out to 
fight against Israel with chariots and horsemen very many. -Jos. 11:4,. 

Sect. 5. 

Arabia, although now so celebrated for horses, and by whose breed 
of horses those of other countries have been greatly improved, is not, 
we believe, the native place of the horse. In support of our opinion, 
we would remark, that in the days of King Solomon, about 1000 years 
before Christ, Arabia abounded with silver, gold and spices, and 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE EARRIER. \\ 

Solomon himself imported mueh of these from that country.' — 2 
Chron. 9:14, We do not read that he imported any horses thence; 
but, we read, 2 Chron, 1 : — that he imported all his horses for his 
own cavalry and chariots from Egypt — and, indeed, some at enor- 
mous prices. In the chapter referred to, it is stated, that a horse 
brought from Egypt cost one hundred and fifty shekels of silver, 
which is but a fraction less than seventy-six dollars. 

Even so late as A. D. 600, the Arabs had few horses of value. 
That the horses of Arabia, and of the southern parts of Europe, are 
derived from Egypt, is generally admitted by those who have inves- 
tigated the subject ; but whether Egypt is their native place, or wheth- 
er they have been imported from the southwestern parts of Asia, or 
which is still more probable, that they were brought from the north- 
ern coasts of Africa, is still somewhat problematical, at least, it can- 
not be determined with certainty. 



CHAPTER II. 

WILD HORSES. 

Sett, 6. 

This noble quadruped is found in a wild state in the deserts of 
Great Tartary, in the southern parts of Siberia, in other- parts of 
Asia, in the interior of Africa, and in South America. It is the opin- 
ion of Zoographers that the horse is not an original of either Great 
Tartary or of South America ; but both varieties of these countries 
are the descendants of the European race, ajid that they had escaped 
from the dominion of a master. 

Horses were unknown in America, and in the islands of the Paci- 
fic, until they were carried there by Europeans, and those of Tar- 
tary have been satisfactorily traced to those which were turned loose 
at the siege of Asoph, Russia, A. D. 1657. 

Sect. 7. 

Wild horses are gregarious, for they have been seen numerously 
and in large companies by travellers who have crossed the plains be- 
tween the shores of La Plata and Patagonia. "Some affirm that they 
have seen ten thousand in one troop. They appear to be under the 
command of a leader, the strongest and boldest of the company, 
whom they implicitly obey. A secret instinct teaches them that their 
safety consists in their union, and in a principle of subordination. 
The lion, tiger and leopard, are their principal enemies. At some 
signal, intelligible to them all, they either close in a dense mass, and 
trample the enemy to death ; or placing the mares and foals in the 
centre, they form themselves into a circle and welcome the enemy 
with their horn-mounted heels. In the attack, their leader is the first 
to confront the danger, and when prudence demands a retreat, they 
follow his flight with the speed of the wind." 



12 

Sect. 8. 

These animals are celebrated for limbs and gracefulness of motion* 
full of spirit and courage, strongly resembling the Spanish horses 
from which they have descended. It is said they are easily to be ta- 
med, and that they become gentle, docile and affectionate to their 
masters. They are capable of enduring much fatigue. They may 
be ridden from sixty, seventy, and even one hundred miles, without 
drawing the bit, and this occasionally at twelve miles in an hour. 
They know of no intermediate pace between the walk and gallop. 

The wild horses of South America differ from those of Tartary ; 
these are also readily tamed, but in many respects inferior. They 
never equal the domestic horse in form, strength or speed. 



CHAPTER III. 

VARIETIES OF THE HORSE AND COMPARATIVE VALUE. 

Sect. 9. 

In the close of Sect. 4, we stated that the horse was probably derived 
from the northern part of Africa ; we shall, therefore, to follow a na- 
tural order, in giving an account of the most celebrated breeds of dif- 
ferent countries, begin with those of Africa. The varieties of the 
horse are numerous. The indigenous horse of every country, oper- 
ated on by climate, assumes that form best adapted to its locality. 
Man, however, who is prone to change, would soon be led to mix 
with the native, that variety which presented in its original state the 
finest form and most valuable qualifications, and thus produced a va- 
riety of the domestic horse. 

Sect. 10. 

The Barb. — He may be justly placed at the head of the African 
and appropriately at the head of all other breeds. He is obtained 
from Morocco, Fez, and particularly Barbary, whence he takes his 
name, the barb. He is celebrated for his fine and graceful action. 
He is not as high as our common farm horse ; perhaps never exceed- 
ing fourteen hands and a-half. " The shoulders are flat, the chest 
round, the joints inclined to be long, and the head particularly beau- 
tiful. The Barb is decidedly superior to the Arabian form, but not 
his spirit or speed or countenance. The Barb has contributed to the 
excellence of the Spanish horse as well as the English." The much 
talked of Godolphin Arabian, who was the origin of some of the 
best racing blood in England, was a Barb. — Jim. Farmer, vol. 9, 
p. 134. 

Sect. 11, 

The Dongola. — In the kingdom of Dongola and the adjacent 
regions of Egypt and Abyssinia, is a horse differing from all other 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 13 

eastern horses. This is the Dongola, full sixteen hands high, "but 
the length of the body, from the shoulders to the quarters, is consid- 
erably less. Their form, therefore, is opposite to that of the Arabian 
or English thorough-bred, which are longer by some inches than high. 
The neck is long and slender, the crest fine, and the withers sharp 
and high, giving a beautiful forehead ; but the breast is too narrow, the 
quarters and flanks too flat, and the back carped. They constitute 
excellent war horses, from their speed, durability and size." Several, 
says Goodrich, have been lately imported into Europe, but they are 
little valued. — Fam. JEncy., p. 293. 

Sect. 12. 

The Arabian. — In Section 5, we stated that the Arabians so late 
as A. D. 600, had few horses. From their neighbors they obtained 
some Cappadocian and other horses, which they propagated with 
much care. The Arabian horse soon gained, and has for a long time 
retained unrivalled celebrity. Arabian horses are remarkable for the 
surprising swiftness with which they escape the hottest pursuit of 
their enemies. 

Three distinct breeds or varieties of the Arabian horse are noticed 
by writers : The Jlltechi, or inferior breed ; the Kadischi, or un- 
known race ; a mixed breed ; and the Kotchlani, the most valuable 
breed, whose genealogical pedigree has been carefully kept in wri- 
ting for nearly five hundred years. The Kotchlani race is reared by 
the Bedouin Arabs in the remote deserts. 

The female, it seems, is preferred to the males, by the Arabians, 
because she is more gentle, silent and able to endure fatigue, hunger, 
and thirst; qualities, in which, they have found from experience, the 
female excels the male. Hence it is truly said: "from an Arabian 
a stallion may be procured by paying a high price, but a mare can 
never be obtained except hy fraud and bribery. In the time of Dela 
Roque, the Great Emir of Mount Carmel, had a mare which he val- 
ued at more than 5000 crowns. The mare which this prince rode, 
had carried him three days and three nights together, without eating 
or drinking, and by this means saved him from the pursuit of his ene- 
mies. — Harmar's Observations. 

In Malcom's sketches of Persia, the reader will find many inter- 
esting anecdotes, showing the mutual attachment of the Arab and his 
horse. Space does not allow us to relate any here. Those who are 
curious on this subject can consult Smith on Breeding, p. 80, and 
Malconiy vol. 1, p. 41. 

Sect. 13. 

" The Arabian horse would not be acknowledged by every judge 
to possess a perfect form ; his head, however, is inimitable. He may 
however, be readily characterized by the broadness and squareness 
of the forehead, shortness and fineness of the muzzle, the promi- 
nence and sparkling brilliancy of the eye, the smallness of the ears, 
and the beautiful course of the veins in th* head. It might be objected 



u 

by some that his body is too light, and his chest too narrow ; but be- 
hind the arms, the barrel generally swells out, and leaves sufficient 
room for the play of the lungs. In the formation of the shoulder, 
next to that of the head, the Arab is superior to any other breed. The 
withers are high, and the shoulder blade inclined backward, and so 
nearly adjusted, that in descending a hill, the point or edge of the 
ham never ruffles the skin. He may not be thought sufficiently high; 
he is seldom more than fourteen hands and a-half. The fineness of 
his legs, and the oblique position of his pasterns, may be supposed 
to lessen his apparent strength, but the leg, although small, is flat and 
wiry ; anatomists know that the bone has more than a common den- 
sity, and the starting muscles of the forearm and the thigh, indicate 
that he is fully capable of accomplishing' many of the feats which are 
recorded of him. He presents the true combination of speed and 
bottom — strength enough to carry more than a light weight, and cou- 
rage that would cause him to die rather than to give up. 

Sect. 14. 

The East Indian Horse. — A gentleman, and judge of the horse, 
who was present at a sale of some, at Hissan, in Hindostan, Asia, 
describes this variety in a few words : — "Not less than one thousand 
horses were shown. They were all above fourteen hands and a-half 
in height, high crested, and showy looking horses. The great defect 
seemed a want of bone below the knee, which is indeed general to 
all the native horses of India; and also so great tendency to fulness 
in the hocks, that, in England, it would be thought half of them had 
blood spavins." 

The East India horses, like the Arabian, (Seet. 12,) are divided by 
writers, into several varieties, viz : the Toorky, beautiful in form, 
graceful in action, and docile in temper ; the Iranee, well limbed, ears 
large and loose, and wanting spirit; the Covakee, patient, docile, large 
head, well calculated for severe services ; the Mojinnis, spirited, 
beautiful, fleet, and persevering, and the Tazsee, irritable in temper, 
hollow backed, and therefore deficient in strength; yet sought after 
on account of his easiness of pace. 

Sect. 15. 

The Chinese Horse. — The horse of China, is dwarfish. He is 
a "degenerate" from a noble race. His very external appearance 
indicates that he lacks greatly what constitutes his species, the paragon 
of the brute animal. He is of a diminutive size — badly formed- — 
he lacks both strength and spirit. 

Sect. 16. 

The Persian Horse,— -The Persian was celebrated long before 
the Arab existed. Persia, which was subject to Babylon, afforded 
horses to supply the armies of their monarch, and are alluded to by 
the prophet Jeremiah, 4: 13, "Behold, he shall come up as clouds, 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 15 

and his cliariots shall be as a whirlwind ; his horses are swifter than 
eagles." His whole frame is even more perfectly developed than that 
of the Arabian, The head is equally, symmetrically beautiful, the 
crupper superior ; in fleetness he is equal, but cannot endure so much 
fatigue. He never exceeds fourteen hands and a-half. Those of the 
desert and country about Hillah, are small, but are full of bone and 
very fleet of pace. 

Sect, 17. 

The Toorkoman Horse. — In the south part of Tartary, north, of 
the Caspian sea, is Turkistan, which has been celebrated from a 
remote period for a valuable breed of horses, called the Toorkomans, 
which are serviceable, very swift, and inexhaustible under fatigue. — 
Some of them have travelled nine hundred miles in eleven successive 
days. They are from fifteen to sixteen hands high. They are 
rather small in the barrel, and legs too long. Some are ewe-necked, 
and have very large heads ; but their good qualities atone for all these 
defects. One of pure blood, is worth two or three hundred pounds, 
even in that country. 

Sect. 18. 

The Tartar and Kalmuck Horse. — 'This race is found in the 
plains of Central Asia, and in some parts of European Russia, and 
are only one remove above those in a wild state. They are small 
and badly made, but exceedingly hardy, and capable of supporting 
loug and rapid journeys, on fare too scanty for the ass or jack. 

Sect. 19. 

The Turkish Horses. — These are principally descended from the 
Arab, crossed by the Persian and other blood, and have contributed 
materially to the improvement of the English and American breed. 
The Turkish, of all others, is the most gentle and docile. Perhaps 
this may be owing much to the fact that they are treated with great 
lenity. This treatment of the horse makes him love and respect his 
master. They resemble the horses of Arabia, only that the body is 
much longer, and the crupper higher than the Arabian. 

Sect. 20. 

The German Horse. — Germany, says Loudon, is not destitute 
of good horses. The native breeds received their first improvement 
from admixture with Asiatic horses. In after times, the Germans 
obtained still finer breeds from the Arabs, Turks and Barbary states, 
which they still preserve with some care as stallions. German 
horses are generally large, heavy and slow, better fitted for the 
manege, than for racing or hunting. The Hungarian may be an 
exception, being lighter and speedier; and they are better propor- 
tioned and having considerable endurance, but are still deficient in 
speed. 



16 THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIEK. 

Sect. 21. 

The Spanish Horses.— These have been highly esteemed. The 
invasion of the Moors, in A. D. 710, brought a vast influx of eastern 
blood into Spain. The Andalusian charger and Spanish jennet, so 
long celebrated for elegance, sprightliness and durability, are familiar 
to all readers of romance. One of the Spanish breeds is celebrated 
for being finely carcassed, well limbed, active, ready, easy in pace, 
docile, full of spirit and courage, but well tempered with mildness 
and good nature — this was the favorite war-horse of the Knight; 
while another racer, carrying the Esquire, somewhat inferior in 
elegance, but possessed of great strength and endurance. The 
Spanish horse of the present day, is not much unlike the Yorkshire 
half-breed — perhaps with flatter legs and better feet, but far inferior 
figure. 

Sect. 22. 

The Portuguese Horses.— Portuguese horses, in many respeets, 
like the Spanish, were famous of old, for being very fleet and long- 
winded ; but owing to the want of attention to keep up the improve- 
ment of the breed, it is said they are very much degenerated ! 

Sect. 23. 

The French Horse. — France abounds in horses of all kinds, 
whose origin may be traced to a mixture of their native breeds with 
the Asiatic, introduced by the irruption of the Goths, and originally 
received from the Scythians, and the true eastern blood received from 
Spain, Barbary and Arabia. Much attention is now paid to the 
improvement of horses in France. They import yearly from Eng- 
land, particularly hunters and high-bred carriage horses. Limousin 
furnishes good saddle horses and hunters. Auvergne, Poitou and 
Burgundy, furnish good bidets, ponies. Lower Normandy and the 
district of Contentin furnish tolerable coach horses. Although the 
horses of France are deemed inferior to those of England "in beauty, 
strength and fteetness," still they have a noble race of draught 
horses, equal to any in England, and among which the chesnut color 
seems to prevail. The French horses generally are apt to have their 
shoulders, although oblique, yet too loose and open, as those of the 
Barbs, (Sect. 10,) are usually too confined and narrow. 

Sect. 24. 

The Iceland Horse. — This horse is small, strong and swift. 
The island abounds in troops of horses, which live upon the moun- 
tains, where they obtain only a scanty living. A few are usually 
kept in the stable, but when the peasant wants more, he catches as 
many as he needs, and shoes them himself, and that sometimes with 
a sheep's horn. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 17 

Sect. 25. 

The Swedish, Finland and Norwegian Horses, are small, 
handsome, and remarkable for speed and spirit. They seldom exceed 
twelve hands in height. They will trot, with ease, twelve miles in 
an hour. The peasants take them from the forests, when they are 
wanted for travellers. Although apparently wild, they are easily 
controlled, and made obey perfectly. 

Sect. 26. 

The Flemish Horses are large, and strongly and beautifully 
formed. They have usually large, heavy heads and necks ; their 
feet, also, are immoderately large and flat, and their legs subject to 
watery humors and swellings. 

Sect. 27. 

The Holland and Polish Horses. — Holland furnishes a race 
of horses, principally serviceable in light draught work. The best 
come from Friesland. 

The Polish horses are hardy, strong, and useful, but they are 
generally of a middling size. In the marshy parts of Prussia, and 
towards the mouth of the Vistula, there is a breed of strong horses, 
resembling those of Friesland, but of inferior value. 

Sect. 28. 

The Horses of Russia, are but little regarded by other nations. 
They are small but hardy, and capable of enduring great fatigue. — 
Great attention is, however, paid to such as are very fast in their trot, 
and such a breed is much encouraged for trotting matches, on the 
snow and ice. Those of the Turkish breed, are handsome and 
finely shaped, but too slight and weak for heavy cavalry. They 
subsist, summer and winter, solely upon grass in the great deserts, 
between the rivers Don, Volga and Yaik, where they are collected in 
great herds, of from six hundred to a thousand. They are excellent 
swimmers, and pass the river Volga, where it is from one to two 
miles broad, with apparently great ease. 

Sect. 29. 

The Italian Horses, although highly celebrated at one time, 
particularly the Neapolitans, have, through neglect and mismanage- 
ment, sadly degenerated. One circumstance has mainly contributed 
to this degeneracy, viz : that the breed has been kept up by occasional 
intermixture of European blood, instead of the eastern. A few of 
the Neapolitan horses, from their superior size and stateliness, are 
well adapted for the carriage. 



18 THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

Sect. 30. 

The English Horse. — "The British variety of the saddle horse," 
says Loudon, "may be reduced to the racer, the hunter, the improved 
hackney, the old English road horse, the galloway, and the poney." 
Three of these we shall briefly notice, after attending to the history 
of the horse in England. The earliest record of the horse in Great 
Britain, is contained in the history given by Julius Caesar, of his 
invasion of that island, before Christ, 55. By the introduction of 
the Roman cavalry, the English horse received its first cross. This 
conqueror, when on his return home, carried some of the horses of 
the island to Rome, and for a long time afterwards, British horses 
were in demand in different parts of the Roman empire. 

Soon after the time of Alfred, the Great, some attention appears to 
have been paid to the improvement of horses, by Athelston, his son, 
and the second in succession to him. This was about A. D. 930. 
With William, the Conqueror, about A. D. 1050, the horse was 
in England, considerably improved; and about 1066, was used for 
field purposes. In the reign of Henry I., A. D. 1121, the first 
Arabian horse was introduced. Subsequently, in the reign of Ed- 
ward II., some war and heavy cavalry horses were imported from 
Lombardy, Italy and Spain. Horses for agriculture were principally 
procured from Flanders. Until the time of Henry VIII., the Eng- 
lish horse advanced very gradually. 

The finer and better sort of modern English horses are descended 
from Arabians and Barbs, and frequently resemble their sires in looks 
and appearance, but differ from them considerably in size and mould, 
being better proportioned, stout and lusty. In general, they are 
strong, nimble, of good courage, capable of enduring much fatigue, 
and both in perseverance and speed surpass all horses in the world. 
This great improvement of the horse is owing to a judicious admix- 
ture and proportion of blood.— See introductory remarks to the 
''Annals of the Turf," Chap. XVI. 

Sect. 31. 

We shall now give a brief view of the racer, hunter, and improved 
hackney of England. A description of these may be interesting to 
the reader, and many of the observations will be alike pertinent to 
the horse of the United States, because our stock of horses is chiefly 
derived from the different breeds of English horses, as will appear on 
inspecting the "Annals of the Turf." 

Sect. 32. 

The Race Horse is descended, says Loudon, nearly in a direct 
line from the Arabian, the Persian, and the Barb. In an agricultural 
point of view, this celebrated breed might, at first sight, appear of 
little importance ; but it is probable, that to the amusement afforded 
by it to the rich and powerful, we are indebted for the principal im- 
provements in every other variety of this most valuable animal. It 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 19 

is not alone owing to the foreign extraction of this horse, that he is so 
perfect and unsurpassed, but the climate of England and British 
skill, have made the thorough-bred horse what he is. 

" The racer is generally distinguished by his beautiful Arabian 
head — his fine and finely set-on neck — his oblique, lengthened 
shoulders — well bent hinder legs, rather short from the knees down- 
ward, although not always so deep as they should be — and his long 
and elastic pastern." To judge of a good racer, look well to two 
unerring points — "well placed shoulders" — "well bent hinder legs." 
See Chap. IV., Sect. 41, 45. 

Sect. 33. 

The Hunter is derived from horses of entire blood, or such as 
are but little removed from it, uniting with mares of substance, 
correct form and good action. In some instances hunters are derived 
from large mares, of the pure breed, propagating with powerful 
stallions of the old English road horse. This favorite and valuable 
breed is a happy combination of the neetness of the Arabian, with 
the durability of the native horse. JVSore extended in form, but 
framed on the same principles, he is able to carry a considerable 
weight through heavy grounds, with a swiftness equalled only by the 
animal he pursues, and with a perseverance astonishing to all. — 
Hence, the extreme demand for this breed of horses in every Eu- 
ropean country. — Loudon. 

Sect. 34. 

The Improved Hackney is derived, like the hunter, from a judi- 
cious mixture of blood breed with the native horse, but exhibiting a 
greater proportion of the latter. Hackneys are now, however, most- 
ly bred from stallions possessing nearly the same proportion of blood 
with the hunter; but with a form, and qualities somewhat different 
In the hackney, safety and speed should be combined : we should look 
particularly to the foreparts, to see that they are high and well placed ; 
that the head is not heavy, nor the neck disproportionately long or 
short ; that the legs stand straight ; and that the elbows turn out. — 
Loudon. 

Sect. 35. 

The Hackney is of the greatest importance to the farmer, whether 
used for riding over his farm, or for the performance of journeys of 
business and pleasure. To select one, that is worth having, see to it 
that he does not carry his legs too high. The axiom, " let him lift 
his legs well and he will never come down" is not literally correct ; 
" for in proportion as ahorse lifts his legs high, will be the force with 
which he puts them down, the jolting of the rider and the wear and 
tear of the feet of the animal. Too much knee action wi'l impede 
his speed, and renders him unpleasant to the rider. It should be re- 
collected that the safety of the horse depends much more on the man- 



20 THE 

ner he puts his feet down, than on that in which he lifts them up : — 
more on the foot being placed at once flat on the ground, or perhaps 
the heel coming first in contact with it, than on the highest and most 
splendid action. If the toe first touches the ground, the horse will 
be apt to topple over, particularly if any unexpected obstacle presents 
itself. If again, the toe digs into the ground before the foot is firmly 
placed, a very small obstacle will cause the horse to trip and perhaps 
fall. You had better mount him and try, before you buy. Take up 
his feet and examine them. If the shoe after having been on a week 
or a fortnight, is not necessarily worn at the toes, you feel him put 
his foot flat on the ground, do not scruple to buy him, nay, esteem 
him a choice-gifted hackney, although he may not have the lofty ac- 
tion which some have erroneously thought necessary. For further 
directions in choosing a good horse, See Chap. IV. and V. 

Sect. 36. 

The Carriage Horse. — In selecting a horse for the carriage, re- 
gard should be had, both to the points that distinguish a good one, and 
to the habits and dispositions of the horse. " The points of a good 
coach horse are, substance well placed, a deep and well proportioned 
body, bone under the knee, and sound, open, tough feet. They 
should be free from starting, stumbling, and kicking. Great attention 
should be paid to their dispositions. A horse, says Mason, that has 
once been frightened in harness, never again is safe for that employ- 
ment. So retentive are their memories, that they do not forget an 
alarm of that kind during their whole lives. For want of experience 
on this subject, horses that had been affrighted in harness, have been 
hitched to carriages, which too often were the cause of the untimely 
death of many amiable females and helpless children." 

Sect. 37. 

The Farmer's Horse is an animal of all work; to be ridden oc- 
casionally to market or for pleasure, but to be principally employed 
for draught. He should be higher than the road horse ; about fifteen 
hands and a-half is a good standard. A horse with a shoulder thick- 
er, lower or less slanting than would be chosen in a hackney, will 
better suit the collar ; and collar work will be chiefly required of him. 
A stout compact horse should be selected, yet not a heavy cloddy one. 
Some blood would be desirable, but the half bred horse will general- 
ly best suit the farmer's purposes. He should have weight enough 
to throw into the collar, and sufficient activity to get over the ground 
tolerably well. Mares are preferable to geldings both for riding and 
driving. They cost less originally than geldings, and will perform 
more work. Taking their bulk for bulk, they are stronger and more 
durable ; and, in addition to this, the profit of breeding is also to be 
taken into the account. 



21 

Sect. 38. 

Heavy Draught Horses. — A horse of this kind should have a 
broad breast, and thick and upright shoulders— the more upright the 
collar stands on him the better — should have alow forehead, deep and 
round barrel, loins broad and high, ample quarters, thick fore-arms 
and thighs, short legs, round hoofs, broad at the heels, and soles not 
flat. For the shaft, particularly the dray, on badly paved streets, 
these heavy horses have a decided advantage in being able to with- 
stand the shaking and battering unavoidable in drawing heavy loads. 
In England the largest of this breed are used for dray-horses. The 
next in size are sold as wagon-horses ; and a smaller variety, and 
with more blood, constitute a considerable part of the cavalry. 

For other varieties of horses under this head, such as the Gallo- 
ways, the Irish horse, Welch poney, the Highland, the Shetland, 
the reader is referred to Loudon on the Varieties of the Horse. 

Sect. 39. 

The American Horse. — The limits of our chapter will not per- 
mit us to notice at large, the several breeds of horses found in the 
extensive territory and varied climate of our continent. We have 
already in Sect. 6 and 7, briefly noticed the wild horse of America, 

The blood of the American stock of horses is principally from 
England, except that of the Canadian horse. " He is principally 
found in Canada and the northern states. He is, it is believed of 
French descent, and many of the celebrated trotters are of this breed. 
This species of horse is generally small, but remarkably compact, 
and hardy. He will keep in good condition, and even grow fat on 
indifferent fare. 

Sect. 40. 

•" Conestoga Horse. — This horse is found in Pennsylvania and 
in the middle states. He is generally long in the leg, and rather light 
in the carcass ; sometimes seventeen hands and a-half in height — 
he is used for the plough and carriage — he is an excellent carriage 
horse. Those of a middle size, when well made, are much used for 
the saddle, and are useful for hunting. " 

For improved breeds, and the English horses in the United States, 
the reader is respectfully referred to Chap. XVI., "Annals of the 
Turf," where he will find a list of some of our most celebrated 
blooded horses and mares, and of those imported. 



22 the farmer's complete farrier. 

CHAPTER IV. 

QUALITIES OF A GOOD HORSE. 

Sect. 41. 

The general rules, laws or principles of the qualities of a good 
horse are derived from an inspection of his outward appearance, and 
by trial. In this chapter we shall lay down some general criteria 
for inspection of his outward appearance ; and in Chap. V., submit 
some hints to decide the character of the horse by trial. 

As it regards the color of the horse, long experience, says Lou- 
don, has shown that certain tints are usually accompanied by certain 
qualities of form and disposition. As a general rule, dark-colored 
horses are certainly the best. This, however, is not the case with 
those entirely black — there are comparatively few jet black that are 
very good horses. Light shades appear unfavorable to strength and 
durability ; they are frequently irritable and perverse. Something 
like a general law in the animal economy seems to prevail, to make 
white a distinctive mark of weakness. It is a fact well known that 
the legs and feet when white are more subject to disease than those 
of a darker hue. The Arabs remark, that light chesnut horses have 
soft tender feet. 

Grey horses are, however, in some degree, an exception to the 
rule ; for there are many good greys. Bay and brown are also es- 
teemed as indicative of a good horse. — See Sect. 45. 

Sect. 42. 

" The ability to form a correct opinion of the qualities of a horse, 
from his external appearance, although the aim of every horseman 
is possessed but by few persons, and by these only attained on close 
observation and much study." A brief detail of those points and 
marks, may prove both interesting and advantageous to the farmer. 

" The ears in blood horses are usually small and sharp, or point- 
ed and approaching each other at the ends, while in the common or 
heavy horse, they are large and badly formed, frequently inclining 
from each other. From the ears an opinion is formed of the spirit 
and temper of the animal. It has been remarked, that a horse which 
carries one ear backward and the other forward, is generally hardy 
and lasting. When the horse is either playful or vicious, the ears 
are usually laid flat upon his neck. 

" The eyes are objects of beauty, utility and expression. In the 
blood horse, the sockets of the eyes are " more prominent and more 
inclined, by which the axis of the eyes diverge more from each other, 
than those of the heavy breed." This prominence gives both beauty 
and expression to the head. The cavities above the eyes, called eye- 
pits, increase in size in proportion to the age of the horse. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 23 

Sect. 43. 

The face of the blood horse either presents a straight line, or one 
slightly curved inward towards the lower part: in the common breeds 
it is frequently curved outwards. 

The lips, mouth and nostrils compose the muzzle, and the darker 
the color of these parts, the more highly the horse is esteemed, ex- 
cept in very dark brown horses, when the muzzle is ordinarily of a 
tan color, and this is deemed an excellence. 

Thin, firm lips are good indications : those which are heavy and 
hanging, give evidence of sluggish or aged horses. 

The mouth should be deep. 

The mane being purely ornamental, is supposed to afford no in- 
dex of character or quality. 

The upper surface of the neck should form a <* moderate but grace- 
ful curve." 

The neck, on the under surface, should be nearly straight. When 
the crest of the neck is thick and heavy in mares and geldings, it is 
an evidence of a sluggish disposition. In stallions it forms a distinct- 
ive sexual mark. In a horse finely proportioned, the length of the 
neck, the length of the head, and of the angle uniting the two, should 
give the height of the withers from the ground. 

The shoulders should be muscular and narrow, but not heavy. 

The breast should be moderately wide and extended : when other- 
wise, although the horse may be fleet, he is seldom durable or strong. 
It should not, however, except in the heavy draught horse, hang over 
or project beyond the perpendicular of the fore limbs. 

The back should only be moderately long. Horses with long 
backs move easily, but what is gained in elasticity is lost in strength. 
The back should be nearly straight. When the incurvation inwards 
is considerable, the horse is called saddle-backed, and is considered 
weak : in such cases, the crest is usually good : such horses com- 
monly ride pleasantly. When the back curves upwards, it is called 
roach-backed, and if it be considerable, it is deemed unfavorable to 
liberty of action. Short backed horses seldom have much speed. 

The width of the loins is of much importance to the strength of 
the animal. 

The croup extends from the loins to the setting on of the tail. — 
When long and slightly rounded, it is an evidence of the blood of the 
animal. A long croup is in every point of view the most perfect. 

An extensive flank is indicative of weakness. 

In speaking of the belly, we may remark that, anteriorly, "the 
ribs should be wide upwards, and as much deepened below as possi- 
ble, which affords what is termed great depth in the girth. " " Pos- 
teriorly, the ribs should form the body as much as possible into a cir- 
cular figure, that being of all others the most extended, and affording 
the best surface for the absorption of nutriment. Hence, barrelled 
horses are always much admired." 



24 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Sect. 44. 

The arm of the horse should be muscular and extensive in length 
and breadth, and its obliquity proportionate to that of the shoulder: 
from whence it follows, "that the- more acute the angle between 
them, the greater will be the extent of the motion gained by the flex- 
ion and extension of the parts." 

The fore arm is placed upright to counteract the angular position 
of the real arm and shoulder bones. It is always long in animals of 
great speed. It should be large and well marked. 

The knee should be broad, that the surface of contact may be in- 
creased and stability be augmented. Horses that are stumblers, gen- 
erally manifest it on the knees by scars. 

The shank carries the limb down, light, straight and strong. View- 
ed laterally, it should be wide ; in front, thin. 

A short and upright pastern is elastic, and horses bearing it are 
unpleasant and unsafe riders. It should be free from puffs or wind- 
galls. 

The hoof will be described in treating of the anatomy of the horse. 
See Chap. XI. 

Viewed anteriorly, " the fore legs should stand rather widest at the 
upper part, inclining a little inwards below ; but, when viewed later- 
ally, they should present a perpendicular from the arm downwards ; 
and the toe should place itself directly under the point of the shoul- 
ders as it is called. If the foot should stand beyond this, which is 
seldom the case, the action will be confined, for the limb will have 
already passed over a point of its ground ; such a horse, however, 
generally treads even, flat and safe ; and, in proportion as it stands in 
the direct line downwards, he generally inherits these desirable quali- 
ties. When the foot stands behind the perpendicular line, the defect 
is considerable, by the removal of the centre of gravity too much 
forward, by which an increased tendency to stumble and fall is en- 
tailed." 

In examining the hinder extremities, the leg, commonly called " the 
thigh, in well formed horses, is powerfully furnished with muscles, 
and very extended in its figure ; it should also make a considerable 
angle with the femur or real thigh, and form a direct line under the 
hip or haunch ; for the same reasons that make it desirable to have a 
long arm in the fore extremities ; it is also advantageous that the leg 
should be so likewise, and which is the form usual among all quad- 
rupeds of speed." 

The hock is that part below the leg, or thigh, as it is commonly 
called, and may be considered the most complex and important part 
of the body. It should be broad and extended. It is subject to nu- 
merous diseases, particularly blood spavin, similar to wind-galls before 
spoken of. The ligaments of the hock are sometimes strained or 
extended : the ligaments frequently become diseased : by an atten- 
tive examination from behind, these maladies may generally be de- 
tected. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 25 

Sect. 45. 

BufFon has divided the colors of a horse into simple, compound 
and extraordinary. " The simple colors are bay, chesnut, dun, sorrel, 
white and black; bay, is a prevailing tint among European horses, 
and admits of many shades, but is admired in all: there are bright 
bays, blood bays, dark and dappled bays; brown bay is a very 
esteemed color, and consists of bay and- black in unequal proportions 
in different horses; brown horses are highly prized; the darker 
varieties have usually beautiful tan markings, as about the muzzle, 
&c. ; they have commonly, also, black manes and tails, with legs and 
feet of the same hue; and it may be here remarked, that horses of 
compound colors, of whatsoever tint their mane and tail may be, will 
be found invariably formed of one of the compounding colors; thus, 
light greys, which are a compound of black and white, with a small 
proportion of red, have also frequently white manes and tails— 
chesnut, which is also a very common color, admits of almost as 
many shades as the bay, from the lightest tint to the deepest tone. 
Very light chesnuts have frequently still lighter manes and tails, with 
mealy legs and high feet; so marked, they are certainly not to be 
chosen for strength, durability, or pliancy of temper. Dark chesnuts 
are considered, and with justice, as fiery in their dispositions; they 
are also more subject to contracted feet, than horses of any other hue. 
Dun is a color that has several varieties ; it is sometimes accompanied 
with a white mane and tail, at others, they are seen even darker than 
the rest of the hair. Dun horses do not appear to be at all influenced 
in their qualities by their color, or rather no criteria are offered by it, 
for there are good, bad and indifferent, in all the varieties of shade. 
The sorrel is a variety of the chesnut, but not a favorite one. White, 
as a native color, is not much in estimation, neither is it very common. 
Black is a very usual color, and in the large, heavy northern breed, it 
seems to be an original tint. The tempers of black horses are com- 
monly in the extreme, either sluggish to stupidity, or fiery to excess." 

" The compound colors are where the hairs are compounded, but 
not the colors themselves. Of this kind, the roan and grey are the 
principal. The darker kind of greys are generally esteemed, the 
lighter kind are not held in much repute. In the extraordinary 
colors, white is uniformly the relieving tint. Flea-bitten, is grey or 
white, with small bay spots. The pied or piebald, is also one of 
the extraordinary colors held in light repute." 



3 



26 the farmer's complete farrier. 

CHAPTER V. 

HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD HORSE. 

Sect. 46. 

If you have attended to the most prominent points or marks de- 
tailed in the preceding chapter, you should, when a horse is offered 
for sale, never fail to ask the following questions in presence of one 
or more competent witnesses of him who offers the horse: "is the 
horse you offer for sale, in all respects, perfectly sound? Has he 
no vicious or bad habits?" 

Should a cheat be practiced on you, an action would lie against the 
seller, and damages could be recoverable; but be your own judge, 
not permitting any declaration that may be made by the seller, to alter 
your opinion of form, age, condition, movements, action, &c. As 
the eyes of a horse are the most important organ, first let him under- 
go a strict examination, [in open day light;] ascertain his age, examine 
his figure and action, guarding yourself against being too much pleased 
or fascinated with the appearance of a new object; view his feet and 
legs ; large ridges on the hoofs, or very flat feet, discover a horse to 
be subject to founder: large gouty legs, with enlarged tendons, indicate 
strains and other injuries. Examine his hind legs with great atten- 
tion, just below the hock, and inside the hind knee : if there is any 
unnatural prominence, or knot, unlike the other knee, it wears the 
appearance of a spavin, which renders a horse of but little value. — 
Splint, which appears on the inside of the fore legs, and wind-galls, 
upon the ancles, are unpleasant to the eye, but seldom produce serious 
lameness ; they furnish plain proof that a horse has been serviceable, 
and are very seldom productive of any other injury than stiffness, as 
he advances in years. Ride yourself, for the purpose of trying his 
gaits and qualities—as a rider, accustomed to a horse by private signs, 
manner of riding, bearing on the bit, leaning forward or backward, 
holding the heels close to his sides, &c, can make a dull horse ap- 
pear gay and spirited, a wild horse gentle, a stumbler clear footed ; 
one that is blind, appear to see ; and a starting horse free from that 
great objection, &c. Before mounting him, examine his knees, to 
discover if they are skinned, the hair off, or scarred ; those are strong 
symptoms of his politeness to a fault. Ride with your bridle loose 
over any uneven ground : if he is in the habit of stumbling, he will 
very readily inform you— then approach some object offensive to the 
sight: if he appears much alarmed, stopping suddenly, and attempt 
to turn round, paying but little respect to the bearing of the bridle, 
you may judge he has long been in the habit of that bad practice. — 
Ride him in all his different gaits, to ascertain if they are smooth, 
easy, and agreeable ; move him about a mile, out and back, in fully 
half speed; frequently stopping him suddenly to try his wind, also 
if he is spavined. If his wind has been injured, he will blow un- 
naturally; making a loud wheezing noise, with great difficulty of 



27 

breathing. While warm, ride him in cold water above the belly ; 
after which let him cool fifteen or twenty minutes, and if he is 
spavined, and has received temporary relief by applications of any 
kind, the disease will make its appearance so plain, that you will 
discover evident marks of lameness. The spavin is often relieved 
for a time; and in a few instances, has been permanently cured by 
blistering, bathing with double distilled spirits, &c. The brisk exer- 
cise, &c, is intended to bring on a return of its effects, in case the 
animal should have had temporary relief from that distressing disease. 
When a horse is rode by any person for you to judge of his gaits, 
you should have him moved towards you, from you, and finally by 
you; as you may have the opportunity of discovering if there is any 
turning in and out about his knees and ancles, before or behind, which 
is very objectionable. A well shaped horse will track as true, or his 
legs will follow each other in as direct a line as the wheels of a well 
constructed carriage. For him to be considered a good riding horse, 
he should move with ease to himself, and pass over the ground with 
great rapidity. Hard steps, short going, and great apparent labor, is 
offensive to the sight, unpleasant to the rider, and fatiguing to the 
horse himself. 



CHAPTER VI. 

HOW TO KNOW A HORSE'S AGE. 

Sect. 47. 

The age of a horse, it is sufficiently well known, is only deter- 
minable with precision, by his teeth ; and that rule fails after a certain 
period, and is sometimes equivocal and uncertain, even within that 
period. A horse has forty teeth ; namely, twenty-four double teeth, 
or grinders, four tushes, or single teeth, and twelve front teeth, or 
gatherers. Mares have no tushes in general. The mark, which 
discovers the age, is to be found in the front teeth, next the tushes.* 
In a few weeks, with some, the foal's twelve fore teeth begin to 
shoot; these are short, round, white, and easily distinguishable from 
the adult or horse's teeth, with which they come afterwards to be 
mixed. At some period between two and three years old, the colt 
changes his teeth ; that is to say, he sheds the four middle fore teeth, 
two above and two below, which are sometime after replaced with 
horse's teeth. After three years old, two others are changed, one on 
each side the former ; he has then eight colt's and four horse's teeth. 
After four years old, he cuts four new teeth, one on each side those 
last replaced, and has at that age, eight horse's and four foal's teeth. 
These last new teeth are slow growers, compared with the preceding; 
they are the corner teeth, next the tushes, are called pincers, and are 
those which bear the mark : this mark consists in the tooth being 
hollow, and in the cavity bearing a black spot, resembling the eye of 

* See Frontispiece. 



28 the farmer's complete farrier. 

a bean. The tushes may then be felt. At four years and a-half o\d r 
these mark teeth are just visible above the gum, and the cavity i& 
very conspicuous. At five years old, the horse has shed his remain- 
ing four colt's teeth, and his tushes appear. At six, his tushes are 
up, and appear white, small, and sharp, near about which is obser- 
vable a small circle of young growing flesh ; the horse's mouth is now 
complete, and the black mark has arrived at,, or very near the upper 
extremity of the corner teeth. At seven, the two middle teeth fill 
up. Between the seventh and eighth year, all the teeth are filled up r 
the black mark hath vanished, and the horse is then said to be aged,, 
and his mouth fulL 

From that time forward, the age of the horse can only be guessed 
at from certain indications ; but these guesses are usually made with 
considerable accuracy by experienced people. If his teeth shut 
close, and meet even, are tolerably white, not over long, and his 
gums appear plump, you may conclude he is not nine years old. At 
that age, and as he advances, his teeth become yellow and foul, and 
appear to lengthen, from the shrinking and receding of the gums. — 
The tushes are blunt at nine ; but at ten years old the cavity or chan- 
nel on the inside in the upper tushes, until that period to be felt by 
the finger, are entirely filled up. At eleven, the teeth will be very 
long, black, and foul, but will generally meet even ; at twelve, his 
upper-jaw teeth will overhang the nether; at thirteen and upwards* 
his tushes will be either worn to the stumps, or long, black, and foul y 
like those of an old boar. Beside those exhibited by the mouth, 
nature furnishes a variety of signals, denoting the approach of old 
age and decay, throughout the bodies of all animals. After a horse 
has passed his prime, a hollowness of his temples will be perceived; 
his muscles will be continually losing something of their plumpness ; 
and his hair that gloss and burnish which is the characteristic of 
youth and prime, will look dead, faded, or entirely lose its color in 
various parts. In proportion to the excess of these appearances, will- 
be the horse's age.. 

Sect. 48. 

The following are among the devices practiced by a set of unfeel- 
ing rascals, who have no other rule of conduct than their supposed 
interest to counterfeit the marks of age in horses. At four years old, 
they will frequently knock out the remaining colt's teeth, in order to 
make the horse appear five ; but you will be convinced of the fraud 
by the non-appearance of the tushes ; and if it be a mare, by a short- 
ness and smallness of the corner teeth, and indeed of the teeth in 
general. To give an old horse the mark, is termed, to bishop him ;: 
from the name of a noted operator. They burn a hole in each of the 
corner teeth, and make the shell fine and thin, with some iron instru- 
ment, scraping all the teeth to make them white ; sometimes they 
even file them all down short and even. To this, they add another 
operation; they pierce the skin over the hollows of the eye, and 
blow it up with a quill: but such manoeuvres can deceive only the in- 
experienced, and in case of dispute, would be detected in an instant. 



the farmer's complete farrter. 20 

Sect. 49, 
To tell an old Horse's age by feelings 
[From the American Farmer.] 

Since the age of that noble animal, the horse, -after a certain period 
■®f life, that is after the marks in his incisors and cuspidati are en- 
tirely obliterated, to be able to ascertain his age with any tolerable 
degree of certainty, appears to be generally of "horse age judges" 
a subject of very much uncertainty. I now take the liberty of lay- 
ing before the public, through the medium of your paper, an infallible 
method (subject to very few exceptions) of ascertaining it in such 
a manner, after a horse looses his teeth marks, or after he arrives 
to the age of nine years or over, so that any person concerned in 
horses, of even common capacity, may not be imposed upon in a 
horse's age, from nine years of age and over, more than three years 
at farthest, until the animal arrives at the age of twenty years and up- 
wards, by just feeling the submaxillary bom, or the bone of the 
lower jaw. 

This method I discovered, by making many anatomical observa- 
tions on the skulls of dead horses, and repeated dissections. In or- 
der, therefore, to elucidate the above, I must beg leave to remark : 
that the submaxillary, or lower jaw bone of all young horses, about 
four or five years old, immediately above the bifurcation (fork of the 
jaw bone) is invariably thick and very round at the bottom ; the cavi- 
ty of said bone being very small, contains a good deal of marrow, 
and generally continues in this state until the animal arrives at that 
period which is generally termed an " aged horse" or until the ani- 
mal acquires his full size in height or thickness ; or, according to 
sporting language, is completely furnished, with very little variation, 
But, after this period, the cavity, as aforesaid, becomes larger, and 
more marrow is contained therein. Hence the submaxillary bone 
becomes thinner and sharper a little above the bifurcation or fork. 

This indelible mark may always be observed in a small degree in 
horses above eight years of age ; but at nine years old it is still more 
perceptible. It continues growing a little thinner and sharper at the 
bottom until twelve years of age. From thence until fifteen, it is 
still thinner and sharper at the bottom until twelve years of age. 
From thence until fifteen, it is still thinner, and about as sharp as the 
back of a case knife near the handle. From this period until the 
ages of eighteen, nineteen, twenty, and upwards, it is exceedingly 
so ; and is as sharp, in many subjects, as the dull edge of a knife. 

Sect. 50. 

Rules to determine by feeling, 

1. Put your three fingers about half an inch, or an inch immedi- 
ately above the bifurcation, and grasp the submaxillary bone, or 
lower jaw bone. If it is thick at the sides, and very round indeed at 
the bottom, the animal is most certainly under nine years of age. 



30 THE FARMER ? S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

2. If the bone is not very thick, and it is perceivably not very 
round at the bottom, he is from nine to twelve years old, and so on. 
From twelve to fifteen, the bone is sharper at the bottom, and thin- 
ner at the sides, the bottom is generally as sharp as the back of a 
case knife ; and from fifteen to eighteen, nineteen, twenty, and up- 
wards, without many exceptions, the bone, when divested of its in- 
teguments, is as sharp as the dull edge of the instrument. 

3. Allowances must always be made between heavy, large west- 
ern or wagon horses, or carriage horses, and fine blood ones. 

By practicing and strictly attending to the above rules, upon all 
description of horses, the performer in a little time will become very 
accurate in the accomplishment of his desires, more especially if he 
attentively observes the lower jaw bone of dead horses. 



CHAPTER VII. 

HOW TO GUARD AGAINST THE TRICKS AND ARTS OF HORSE JOCKEYS, 

Sect. 51. 

If you purchase a horse from a " jockey, " always bear in mind 
that it is his trade to buy and to sell horses to the unsuspecting for 
large gain. To deceive, or to take an undue advantage, belongs to the 
jockey's trade. It is, says Mason, to be much lamented, that men 
who entertain a proper idea of honor in all common affairs of life, 
so soon as they become the owner of a horse, feel at liberty {how 
does the inured jockey feel?) without being sensible of doing vio- 
lence to the morals, to knock off two or three years from the real 
age of the horse, and express themselves, with apparent delight, of 
services, gaits, and qualities, to which he never had any sort of 
claim or pretension ; carefully keeping a secret every vice and defect 
to which he is subject. I do not say this is the case with all who ex- 
change or sell horses ; but that it has often occurred, no person will 
deny. If a fraud can be practiced at all, it is sufficient reason for 
the inexperienced and unsuspecting to be placed on their guard. 

When a horse is offered for sale, never fail to follow the directions 
given in Chap. V. Put the questions in the presence of competent 
witnesses, to the jockey or horse dealer : Is the horse you offer for 
sale, in all respects, perfectly sound? Is he not wind-broken? 
Subject to staggers ? &c. Has he no vicious or bad habits ? But 
after all, if you have not a favorable opinion of the horse and are 
fully satisfied, he will, in all respects, answer your purpose, do not 
purchase from a jockey. Suffer not his declarations, his free assev- 
erations, to alter your opinion, before you have fully examined the 
horse and tested him according to the directions laid down in preced- 
ing chapters. If you will carefully attend to the directions given in 
Sect. 46, 47, 48, 49, 50; and a trick noticed, in Sect. 155, which 
see,— we are fully persuaded, you will be led to discover the material 
defects in a horse offered you for sale by a Jockey. "Were I in. 



FARRIER. 31 

pursuit," says an experienced Virginian, " of truth and honor, I never 
would seek them in the lower class of dealers in horses or horse 
jockeys. Whenever they have a horse to dispose of, they assure a 
purchaser he possesses every desirable quality, &c, and whenever 
they have effected a sale, they smile at their success, and expose 
every vice to which the horse was addicted, to the next person they 
meet." 



CHAPTER VIII. 

GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND MANNER OF TREATING HORSES. 

Sect. 52, 

The importance of this subject must strike every one. And with 
a view to render the hints given in this chapter, of use to the master 
or owner of the horse, and especially to the farmer, we will arrange 
the most important points of the manner of treating, and the general 
management of the horse under the following heads, viz : I. — Breed- 
ing. II. — Bearing, III. — Feeding, IV. — Training. V. — Fat- 
tening Horses. VI. — Treatment on a journey. VII. — How to be 
treated to endure excessive fatigue without injury. VIII. — To 
prevent infectious diseases. 

I. — Breeding. 

Sect. 53. 

" That like produces like" is an axiom, which has been, and is 
still believed by nearly all. It is admitted that the progeny, or off- 
spring, will inherit the qualities of the parent — and the mingled quali- 
ties of the parents. Even the peculiarity of form and constitution 
will be inherited. This is a very important consideration and should 
ever be borne in mind, when selecting the "breeds." The farmer 
should be scrupulously careful, that the essential points of the sire 
and dam, should be good ; for the peculiarity of form and constitu- 
tion, as remarked above, are inherited from both parents ; that the 
excellency of the mare is a point of as much, if not more, as that of 
*the horse. 

From an imperfect mare, be the horse ever so perfect, a good foal 
will rarely be produced. 

Sect. 54. 

The general properties in a breeding mare, are a good shape, a 
gentle disposition, a large carcass proportioned to her height, and bel- 
ly well let down ; she must be perfectly free from all sorts of blem- 
ishes and defects. She should be as nearly perfect as possible. 
The size, frame, bone, strength and blood, will of course be regula- 
ted by the purpose of the breeder — he will have regard to the kind 
of stock to be bred. None but the very best stock should be raised. 



32 

Sect. 55. 

Although more depends upon the mare, than on the horse to pro- 
duce a good foal, yet it is very essential, to ensure a likely colt, that 
the horse should be equally as free from defects as the mare. It is 
then also important to ascertain the temper and disposition of the sire, 
in order to avoid the procreation of blemishes, vices and imperfec- 
tions. Some deem it even necessary to descend to the minutiae of 
symmetry in the head, neck, shoulder, forehead, ribs, back, loins, 
joints, pasterns, attending even a strict uniformity in the form, make 
and texture of the hoof. The horse should have those qualities de- 
scriptive of the particular kind of stock wanted. 

Sect. 56. 

"A popular, but certainly a very erroneous opinion prevails, that 
the breed of animals is improved by the largest males. The great 
object of breeding, by whatever mode, is the improvement of form, 
and experience has proved, that crossing has only succeeded in an 
emineirt degree, in those instances in which the females were larger, 
than in the usual proportions of females to males, and that it has gen- 
erally failed when the males were disproportionably large." A fated 
error, that is very prevalent, arises from the great neglect that is mani- 
fested in the selection of well formed and kindly tempered sires and 
dams, especially in the latter. 

Sect. 57. 

A mare is capable of breeding at three or four years old. But she 
should never be put to a horse before she is three, or before her form 
or strength is sufficiently developed. Early breeding will materially 
interfere with both form and strength. The mare comes in heat in 
the early part of spring. She is said to go with foal eleven months ; 
but there is some times a strange irregularity in this. Some have 
been known to foal five weeks earlier, while the time of others has 
extended six weeks beyond the average time of eleven months. 
From the time of covering to that of foaling, the mare may be kept 
at moderate work— this is an advantage. The work may be continu- 
ed up to the very time when she is expected to foal. She generally 
gives thirty or forty hours notice of it. 

When nearly half the time of pregnancy has elapsed, the mare 
should have a little better food than before. She should be allowed 
one or two feeds of corn in the day ; or oats three times. Good feed- 
ing, and gentle exercise, at this time, are necessary to prevent slink- 
ing, or miscarrying. 

Sect. 58. 

In passing, we would here remark, that, for two or three months 
previous to the period when the stallion is expected to perform his 
office to mares, it is expedient that he should be fed with the best of 
food — sound nutriment; and he should have plenty of water, and ex- 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 33 

ercise by walking every day. Unless strict attention be paid to these 
matters, the colts will be weakly and of little or no value at all. The 
period when mares should be covered, is varied by circumstances ; 
but the beginning of May is the most convenient in the middle and 
western states. The mare would then foal in the early part of next 
April, when there will be sufficient green food for her and her colt, 
without confining them to the stable. And the temperature of the air 
and state of weather will be favorable to the dam and foal. The 
flies will not be so troublesome to the colt as they would be, if foal- 
ed much later in the summer. 

Sect. 59. 

After a mare has brought forth, it is proper that she should 
have several weeks rest, before she is again put to work, the foal 
being allowed to suck at pleasure. The mare should also be kept on 
nourishing fare. To stint the mare is false economy — you stint the 
colt by such usage. It is the most important time in the life of the 
horse ; and if, from, false economy, his growth be arrested now, his 
puny form and want of endurance will ever afterwards testify the er- 
ror that has been committed. The corn or oats should be given on 
the ground, that the foal may partake of it with the mother. When 
the new grass is flush and plenty, the corn or oats may be gradually 
discontinued ,* or at least may be diminished in quantity. 

Sect. 60. 

The mare may be put to work again a month after foaling. If the 
colt is strong enough to follow the mare, it should be suffered to do 
so ; for it will be better for the colt and mare to be together — the 
work, if not too severe, the mother performs, and the exercise the 
colt takes, will contribute to their health ; besides, the foal will more 
frequently draw the milk, and thrive better ; and will become hardy 
and tractable, and gradually familiarize with the objects among which 
it is afterwards to live. While the mother, however, is thus worked, 
she and the foal should be well fed. 

The mare will usually, if healthy and generously treated, be found 
at heat at or before the expiration of thirty days from the time of 
foaling, when, if she be kept principally for breeding, she may be 
put again to the horse. Mares frequently produce colts at fourteen 
or fifteen years of age, and sometimes at twenty ; but from five to 
twelve years of age, from experiments made, it appears to be the 
most valuable part of a mare's life for raising colts. 

When the colt is six months old, it should be weaned. The moth- 
er should be put to harder work, and have drier food. Should her 
milk be troublesome, or if she should pine after her foal, a physic 
will be very useful. 



34 the farmer's complete farrier. 

II. — Rearing. 
Sect. 61. 

As to feeding a colt, there is a diversity of opinion. Some are for 
stinting, to make the horse hardy, others for pampering, to make 
him large and strong. Both extremes should be avoided. 

Give neither too much nor too little food— -feed liberally, not ex- 
travagantly ; much cafe should be taken in feeding the colt at this time. 
The first food which is given, should be the sweetest hay that can be 
procured, or good grass ; bruised oats or bran, also, should form a 
part of daily provender. The farmer may be assured that money is 
well laid out, which is expended on the liberal nourishment of the 
growing colt: while, however, he is well fed, he should not be ren- 
dered delicate by excessive care. The practice which prevails with 
some in the United States, to put up the colt in a warm and illy ven- 
tilated stable, is a very bad one. 

Weaned colts generally thrive better if kept in lots during the day, 
and even at night, unless it is in a rainy and wet night, when they 
should be put up in a dry, open, airy stable, or an open shed. 

Sect. 62. 

We may safely assume it as an axiom, that there is no greater 
error in breeding animals, than the common one, u of stinting them 
daring the early period of their growth." It is then that animals 
require the greatest nourishment; and if it be withheld, they will be 
injured in their constitution, and consequently in their value, to a far 
greater extent than any saving that can be effected in their food ; but 
to no animal does this remark apply more strongly than to the horse. 

Sect. 63. 

Colts, if properly treated, will have acquired strength and hardi- 
hood before the second winter, to brave the wind, blast and snow, 
with their concomitant inclemencies, without any other food than 
good hay, or any other covering than the epidermic one, with which 
nature has provided them. The following summer, the colts should 
be allowed the range of the best pastures— not the worst, which is 
too common a practice — and in autumn, they should be taken in for 
the purpose of being gradually broken for labor. Even previous to 
this time, the colt should be occasionally handled — should be haltered 
or bridled, now and then, and led about — and repeatedly rubbed with 
a wisp of straw. It will thus become accustomed to be handled in 
time. 

Sect. 64. 

The time for gelding or castrating is sometimes deferred until 
the colt is about one year old, or eighteen months. Some defer it 
longer, thinking that the later the operation is performed, the more 
strength and spirit he will have acquired ; but it is attended with great 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 35 

danger at that late period ; and it is much to be doubted whether it may 
not even be prejudicial to his temper. It is, besides, to be observed, 
that the severity of the operation occasions a check to his growth, 
which is more felt and of more consequence at an advanced period, 
than when he is quite young. Hence, for the agricultural horse, the 
age of five or six months will be most advisable, or at least, before he 
is weaned. Very few horses are lost when altered at that age. The 
weather, however, should not be too hot, nor the flies too numerous. 
If castrated when five or six months old, suffer the colt to run with 
the mare ; the exercise of following her, will promote suppuration, 
which will be assisted by the warmth of the milk. If the operation 
is performed at a more advanced age of the colt, he should be guarded 
from wet — all recently castrated colts should be thus guarded — and 
not allowed to drink cold water until the suppuration is completed. 
As to the operation of castrating. See Chap. XIII. — Veterinary 
operations, article Castration. 

III. — Feeding. 
Sect. 65. 

The feeding of horses, generally, is an important point in their 
management. Every country has its peculiar products; and the 
horse, as well as other animals, shares in his fare according to the 
products and customs of the country in which "he labors. 1 '' In this 
country, he fares upon hay, cornfodder, straw, oats, rye, corn, 
potatoes, beans, &c, but most generally, hay and oats constitute 
"his staff of life." In some sterile countries, horses are forced to 
subsist on dry fish, and even, vegetable mould. In Arabia, he feasts 
on milk, flesh-balls, eggs, broth, &c. In Persia, he is fed on barley. 
In some parts of India, salt, pepper, and other spices are made up 
into balls as big as an ordinary sized goose egg, with flour and butter, 
and thrust down the animal's throat. In Bengal, he feeds on vetches 
and tares. In the West Indies, he is fed on maize, (corn,) and sugar 
cane tops, and in some instances, on the sugar itself, in the form of 
molasses. In France, Spain and Italy, besides the grasses, the leaves 
of limes, vines, the tops of acacia, the seeds of the carob tree, &c, 
are used. 

Sect. 66. 

The system of manger-feeding is very common in the United 
States. There is great economy in this system, for there are few 
horses which do not habitually waste a portion of the hay, and if there 
is not a trough or manger, (Sect. 88,) sufficiently large to prevent the 
hay, when pulled from the rack, from falling down, the greater part 
will be pulled down and trampled under foot. The rack, however, 
should be in a perpendicular, instead, as is too common, in a slanting 
or oblique position. And hay should never be given in large quan- 
tities at a time to horses, inasmuch as they breathe upon it, and soon 
become disgusted with it. They will also, if it be very good, eat 



36 

too much, and distend their stomachs. It is a bad practice to keep 
hay in too large quantities in a stable, for it is very liable to be im- 
pregnated with the volatile alkali of the stale or urine, &c. ; and is 
thus injured so that the horses will refuse to eat it. Barley, wheaten 
and oaten straw, is sometimes substituted for hay ; but it is a meagre 
substitute — a poor treat to this deserving animal. 

Sect. 67. 

The food of horses, in this country, consists of herbage, grain, 
roots and mixtures. When grain is fed, especially corn or rye, it 
should be ground or chopped, or mixed with a portion of cut straw 
or clean chaff. By this means, the animal is compelled to chew his 
food; and while he is forced to grind that down, the oats, or Indian 
corn, if not finely broken, is ground by the process of mastication, 
with the cut straw or chaff, and it yields more nourishment; the 
stomach is more closely filled, and therefore acts better on its contents, 
and is not so likely to be overloaded ; and the increased quantity of 
saliva thrown out in the grinding of this mixture, softens it and ren- 
ders it more fit for digestion. Besides, horses are very fond of this 
provender— the majority of them, after having been accustomed to it, 
will leave the best oats given to them, for the sake of this mixture. 
He can also satisfy his appetite, on this kind of food, in less time, 
and has more time to devote to rest, and be the sooner ready for 
labor. 

Sect. 68. 

Among the roots that are occasionally used for the food of the 
horse, carrots stand at the head of the list. They are not only 
highiy nutritious, but exert a peculiar influence on the skin and hair 
of animals. It is said, by those who have tried them, that they not 
only generate good flesh, but strengthen the wind of the horse, by 
exercising a favorable influence on the lungs. The parsnep, ruta 
baga and beet, may also be used to advantage. The use of roots, as 
a food, occasionally, affords a change of food, and this, as is known, 
to all observing horse masters, the horse delights in. Besides the 
influence roots exert upon the skin, in making it loose, and the hair 
glossy, they at the same time, if fed in proper quantities, cool the 
general system of the horse; often without resort to medicine, cor- 
recting the torpid condition of his bowels, and restoring his appetite. 

Sect. 69. 

" The quantity of food to be given to a horse, depends upon cir- 
cumstances. It must be increased in proportion to the amount of 
exertion and labor required of him. Great care is required not to 
give it in too great quantities, for by so doing, the stomach becomes 
distended and incapable of performing its functions in a healthy man- 
ner. A horse in full work, will ordinarily eat from eight to ten pounds 
of hay per day. The largest portion, both of this article and his 
oats, should be given at night. The watering of horses is an impor- 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 37 

tant matter. 'It is equally erroneous to debar them from it, as it is 
to allow them too much ; and the former is much the commonest evil. 
In summer, or when, from great perspiration, the animal juices are 
wasted, it generates fevers and weakens the strength and spirits. All 
horses prefer soft water, and as nature is unerring, there is no doubt 
but it is the most wholesome. As some horses drink quicker than 
others, it is not a good custom to take riding horses to the pond, 
unless at night, when the quantity cannot harm them.' Horses should 
never be galloped after drinking, it being apt to produce gripes, inflam- 
mation and broken wind." 

Sect. 70. 

The common practice of giving dry grain, oats or corn, to horses, 
when pastured, or fed with green grass, is a bad one ; for the grain, 
thus given, is never perfectly digested, on account of the watery 
juices of the grass impeding digestion. When oats or corn, or dry 
grain is fed, at the time the horse is in pasture, or is fed on grass in 
the stable, as much interval should be allowed between the dry and 
green food as circumstances will admit. Besides feeding, grooming 
or dressing of horses is indispensably necessary. The reader will 
find some general remarks on this point, in Chap. X, — Construction 
of stables and grooming of horses. 

IV. — Training. 

Sect. 71. 

The process of training horses is of great importance. The 
chief and best means are gentleness and patience. Much equani- 
mity of temper is requisite. Be patient, " suavitor in modo,forti~ 
tor in re" is a good maxim, when you attempt to train a horse.— 
The horse is an animal of observation, capable of great attachment, 
and equally strong resentment. If treated with kindness, he becomes 
docile; but severity generally fails of its object, and renders him ob- 
stinately stubborn, altogether intractable. There is certainly much 
difference in their natural temper, some requiring much more care 
and time to reduce them to obedience than others ; but even the most 
restive may be rendered manageable by mild usage. — Fam. Ency. 

Sect. 72. 

The foal, as soon as it is weaned, should be accustomed to the 
halter, and, as remarked in Sect. 63, to be wisped over, and occasion- 
ally tied up ; but this should be done by the same person who feeds 
it, and that care should never be trusted to lads, who will, "as we well 
know by experience" probably tease the animal and teach it tricks, 
or to any hasty, ill-tempered man, who would be likely to ill-treat it. 

"The colt will thus early become accustomed to be handled, and 
will consequently occasion much less trouble, than if it had been pre- 
viously neglected. After being haltered a day or two, a bridle should 



38 

be put on ; but with a small bit at first, instead of the large one 
usually employed by horse-breakers, and which, by the horse's camp- 
ing on it with impatience, sometimes occasions the mouth to become 
callous. He should then be led about, and accustomed to obey the 
rein in turning and stopping, which he will very soon learn; and, 
after a few days, he should be completely harnessed, and hitched 
beside a steady, well trained horse. Care should, however, be taken 
neither to whip him, nor to force him to draw, but leave him quietly 
to walk with other horses in the wagon, and in a very short time he 
will imitate them, and begin to pull. It may then be well to let 
some one mount him, even if he should not be intended for the saddle, 
as it will render him more docile; but it had better be done while 
hitched in the team, as the other horses will prevent him from plung- 
ing. Let no violence be used; nor let no cowardly rider back him. 
The horse is too noble an animal to be tampered with by a poltroon. 

V, — Fattening Horses. 

Sect. 73. 

To fatten a horse in a short time, has generally been considered a 
very great art, and attended with much difficulty. Some authors are 
of opinion, it is necessary for a horse to swallow a certain quantity 
of medicine to produce the desired effect, while others rely on an 
uncommon or peculiar kind of food; but experience has proved that 
both opinions are erroneous, and that the few simples which I shall 
here recommend, together with good rubbing and a particular manner 
of feeding, will accomplish the fattening of a horse that is not a car- 
rion, or extremely poor, within three or four weeks. After your 
stable is prepared, provide a plenty of good sweet corn, hommony, oats, 
bran and fodder; also a sufficient quantity of straw to keep him with 
a comfortable and clean bed ; then notice the condition of the animal, 
for the purpose of bleeding in the neck. Should he be very poor, 
take from him only one quart of blood ; if in tolerable plight, two 
quarts — repeating the bleeding at the expiration of eight or ten days, 
until he is fat. Take of flaxseed, one pint, boil it to a strong tea of 
one quart: take of powdered brimstone, one table spoonful; salt- 
petre, one tea spoonful; of bran, one and a-half gallons: mix them 
all together, scalding the bran with the tea, forming a mash ; which 
may be given every eight days : not permitting the horse to drink 
cold water for eight or ten hours afterwards. Take of asafetida, 
(which can be procured from any apothecary's shop,) half an ounce; 
wrap it in a clean linen rag and nail it to the bottom of the manger 
where the animal is fed; at first, the horse will eat unwillingly where 
it is placed, but in a few days he will grow remarkably fond of it. 

Sect. 74. 

When you commence kind treatment towards a horse that has been 
cruelly used, let it be with great caution, or you may produce a foun- 
der or some other injury; those serviceable animals being too often 



39 

hard used and half starved. For three or four days allowance, a 
horse (you contemplate fattening,) to two and a -half gallons a day, 
six or eight bundles of fodder, or an equal quantity of hay; after 
which you may keep your rack constantly full of long food, and never 
permit the manger to be entirely empty ; taking care to change the 
food every day, giving the largest proportion of bran, viz : bran and 
hommony,bran and corn, bran alone, oats, corn, hommony, &c, &c. 
The food, moistened occasionally with strong sassafras tea, produces 
an admirable effect; it whets the appetite, enriches the blood, and 
opens the bowels. Whenever a horse is fed, all dust, sour food, &c. 
should be removed from his manger, which should be washed twice 
a week, with vinegar and salt ; this kind of attention will aid the ap- 
petite and keep the manger sweet and clean. If the season of the 
year you undertake to fatten in, affords green food of any kind, a 
little, about twelve o'clock, would assist you much in accomplishing 
your object. In the bucket in which you water, throw a handful of 
salt, two or three times a week ; it becomes very grateful to the taste, 
after a few days confinement, and will prevent his pawing and eating 
dirt. If the object is to fatten a horse as speedily as possible, giving 
to him unusual life and spirits, he should not be brought out of the 
stable, nor even led to water. But if flesh is to be placed upon a 
horse to render hard service, I would recommend moderate exercise 
once every three days, carefully avoiding fretting or alarming him ; 
more injury may be done a horse by fretting him one day, than you 
can remove in a week by the kindest treatment. The hoofs should 
be cleaned out every morning and evening ; stuffed with clay and 
salt, or fresh cow manure, to keep the feet cool and prevent a swell- 
ing in the legs. A plenty of good rubbing is absolutely necessary 
for the placing of flesh speedily on a horse ; a blanket as a covering, 
at any time, except the summer months, will place on his coat of hair 
a beautiful gloss, and add much to his comfort and apparent value. — 
Pocket Farrier. 

VI. — Treatment of a Horse on a journey. 
Sect. 75. 

To perforin a long journey, says Mason, with comfort and ease to 
a horse, and satisfaction to the rider, requires some attention to the 
feeding, for eight or ten days previous to setting out. 

A horse uncommonly fat, running in a lot at grass, fed with un- 
substantial food, such as bran, &c, or unaccustomed to exercise and 
fatigue, is very unfit to perform a journey on, unless prepared by be- 
ing fed, for eight or ten days, such as corn, fodder, oats, or hay, and 
given moderate exercise. 

A horse about half fat is in the best situation to bear the fatigue and 
labor of a journey, by following the mode of treatment I shall here 
recommend. If he is only a tolerably good one, by the time he 
reaches his journey's end, should it last four or five weeks, his con- 
dition will be much improved, if he is not entirely fat. 



40 the farmer's complete farrier. 

1st. It is necessary for you to see to it, to have your horse well 
shod with a very good and substantial set of shoes, taking care 
that they fit easy, set well, and are not placed so near the inside of 
the foot as to cut the ankles in travelling, which often produces stiff- 
ness, considerable swelling of the legs, and sometimes lameness. 2d. 
Examine your saddle, valise, portmanteau, harness, &c, as the case 
may be, to discover if they fit with ease and comfort to your horse, 
taking care to let them undergo the same examination every two or 
three days. For a saddle to fit properly, it must be neither wide 
enough in the tree to slip upon the shoulders, or so narrow as to pinch 
or break the skin on the withers ; the bolstering or stuffing in the 
pannels should be adapted to the hollow spaces on each side of the 
back bone or spine. When thus properly fitted, a crupper will be 
useless. 3d. Your valise should be fastened on by passing two 
straps underneath two pieces confined to the valise pad, and through 
two loops at the back of the saddle ; by which means it will be kept 
steadily in its proper place, and the rider will not be perplexed by its 
swinging first on one side, and then on the other, and the danger of 
the horse having a sore back from friction will be avoided. The only 
difference between the customary way of fastening a valise and the 
one I here recommend, is the passing straps through the loops to the 
back of the saddle. 

Sect. 76. 

On the night previous to your commencing your journey, after your 
horse is placed on a good bed of straw, and is well rubbed, feed with 
two gallons of oats, and one and a-half gallons of old corn and hom- 
mony, and eight or ten bundles of fodder, or a quantity of hay equal 
to it. In the morning, feed with half a gallon of oats, after which 
offer a bucket of water. It is customary for horses to be watered 
before being fed ; but it is much better not to water them until after- 
wards ; a large draught of water very often destroys the appetite, 
and makes a horse dull and sluggish for a whole day afterwards. 
When he is watered in this way, he seldom drinks too much, and his 
mouth is washed clean and is moist when he commences his journey. 
It also measurably destroys his inclination to drink out of every stream 
he may cross in the road, which is so tiresome and unpleasant to the 
rider. 

Sect. 77. 

Being now completely prepared for the contemplated journey, the 
following rules must be strictly observed: — 1st. Never permit your 
horse, while travelling, to drink cold branch, well, or pond water, or 
more than is necessary to wet or moisten his mouth. 2d. Every 
time you stop to feed, (which will be morning, breakfast and dinner 
time,) give him a bucket of water, made a little salt, with about two 
handfuls of corn meal stirred in it; he will very soon grow fond of it, 
and indeed prefer it to any other drink ; it cools the system, relieves 

nutriment. 3d. Whenever you 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 41 

stop for the purpose of breakfasting, let your horse cool about ten 
minutes ; then feed with a-half a gallon of oats or corn, and two bun- 
dles of fodder, not forgetting to offer him again the water, meal, and 
salt. 4th. At dinner time observe the same treatment as directed 
at breakfast. 5th. At night (having arrived at the place you intend 
stopping at) have your horse turned into a lot, for the purpose of wal- 
lowing, cooling, &c. 6th. With soap and water have all dirt remo- 
ved from his legs. 7th. Have him placed on a good bed of straw, 
then take of spirits of any kind half a pint, of vinegar half a pint* 
mix them together, and let his legs be rubbed with the mixture until 
they are dry, 8th. Let him be well curried, brushed and rubbed 
with straw. 9th. Water him plentifully. 10th. Feed him with two 
gallons of oats, or one and a-half gallons of corn or hommony, and 
eight or ten bundles of fodder. 11th. Let his hoofs be nicely clean- 
ed out and stuffed with fresh cow manure ; this application keeps 
them tough, moist, and cool. 12th. Change your food as often as 
possible, carefully avoiding using any that is new, or just gathered. 
Observe the above rules to your journey's end, except your horse 
should prove a great feeder, and in that case you may indulge him a 
little ; but the quantity I have here recommended, is enough for any 
common horse when travelling. It may not be amiss to remind the 
young traveller to inspect his horse's shoes once a day, and what- 
ever appears amiss about them to have immediately rectified. It 
frequently happens that the skin of young horses, unaccustomed to 
travel, is chafed and scalded by the friction of the girth ; the part, 
washed clean with a little soap and water, and then washed with a 
little salt and water, will immediately cure and toughen the skin. 

It often happens at little baiting places or country taverns, (met with 
on the road by travellers,) that towards the end of harvest, servants 
are apt to feed with green oats or wheat, in consequence of the scar- 
city of fodder, unless otherwise directed; food of this kind is poison 
to a travelling horse, and will produce a diarrhea and extreme debili- 
ty. It would be much better he should not have long food for two 
weeks, than to give it to him green from the field. When persons 
travelling are not attentive to their horses, they are frequently given 
mouldy oats or corn, which is productive of the worst effects ; there 
being but few kinds of food that can be given a horse, that will ter- 
minate his existence more speedily. Many of those valuable ani- 
mals have been destroyed by such means, when the owners have been 
frequently at a loss to know with what disease or from what cause they 
had died. 



42 THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

VII. HOW TO TREAT A HORSE TO ENDURE EXCESSIVE FATIGUE WITH- 
OUT INJURY, AND SUBSEQUENT TREATMENT. 

Sect. 78. 
[From Mason's Improved Farrier.} 

For a horse to undergo very great fatigue without injury, requires 
at least one week's preparation. Previous to entering him on his 
journey, he should be fed plentifully on solid food, such as corn, fod- 
der, hay or oats, and smartly exercised from five to ten miles a day. 
He should be well rubbed two or three times every twenty-four hours, 
which will very readily have the effect of making his flesh not only 
firm, but hard. I have no doubt, from the experiments I have made, 
that any tolerable good and active horse may be rode one hundred 
miles, in a pleasant long day, without receiving any permanent inju- 
ry, by observing the treatment I shall here recommend. Experience 
has proved that rainy or drizzly weather is more favorable to the per- 
formance of an excessive ride, than a day that is fair or sultry, with 
sunshine ; rain has the effect of keeping him cool, suppling his limbs, 
of moistening and refreshing him. 

On the night previous to his engaging in this laborious undertaking, 
feed your horse with one and a-half gallon of oats, or one gallon of 
corn and six bundles of fodder ; in the morning feed with one quart 
of oats or corn only, and offer some salt and water, of which a horse 
is apt to drink but little early in the morning. You then set out on 
your journey, in such speed as is proportioned to the distance you 
contemplate going in the day. A rider who is compelled to perform 
a long journey in haste, and with certainty, in a given time, should 
be extremely particular in his manner of riding. He should bear 
lightly and steadily on his bridle and stirrups, never jerking, check- 
ing, or stopping his horse suddenly, or change his gaits too frequent- 
ly ; all these things have a tendency to weaken and fatigue a horse 
extremely. A good rider will more resemble the light and airy move- 
ments of a feather, than the dull and leaden gravity of a bullet ;— 
the same horse can convey a good rider twenty miles further in a 
day than he can one unskilled in this necessary accomplishment. 
After progressing about fifteen or eighteen miles, refreshment will 
be necessary, not only for the horse, but the rider also. You will 
then give him a bucket of salt and water with two handfuls of corn 
meal thrown therein, and one quart of oats or corn ; at twelve o'clock 
and at dinner time, feed and water in the same manner. Great care 
should be taken to prevent your horse from drinking cold pond or 
well water, or indulge in any inviting rivulet he may meet in his 
road, more than to moisten his mouth. It is a practice among host- 
lers, when they have no particular directions, to plunge horses 
that are tired and heated at twelve o'clock, into cold pond water ; in 
preference to which I would advise that their legs should be well rub- 
bed with about half a pint of any kind of spirits. 

Your last feed being at two o'clock, or dinner time, your horse will 
require nothing more until night. The day's ride being performed, 



the farmer's complete farrier, 43 

torn him into a lot to cool and wallow ; after which let him be placed 
m a stall on a good bed of straw. 1st. Offer him a bucket of water. 
2d. Remove all dirt and dust from his legs and ancles with soap and 
warm water. 3d. Bathe him from his belly to his hoofs with equal 
parts of vinegar and spirits, to which add a little sweet oil, fresh 
butter, or hog's lard, stewing them altogether, and make use of the 
mixture as warm as the hand can bear it. 4th. He must be well 
curried, brushed, and finally polished with a sheepskin or woolen 
oloth. 5th. His feet should be nicely cleaned out, and stuffed with 
clay and salt, or fresh cow manure. 6th. He should be fed with one 
gallon of old corn, or one and a-half gallons of oats, and six bundles 
of old fodder. Your horse being now in possession of every atten- 
tion and comfort you could offer him, will soon be refreshed, forget 
his hard service, and be again prepared, by the next morning, to obey 
you whither you may direct his footsteps. If you have more than 
one day's journey to perform with great rapidity, observe the same 
rules of feeding, watering, and attention, as directed for the first day, 
except the feed at twelve o'clock, which quantity must be doubled. 
Many elegant and high spirited horses have been ruined and rendered 
useless by persons wanting experience on the above subject, who 
were disposed to treat those faithful animals with every kindness in 
their power; yet being under the necessity of performing a long 
journey in a limited time, and not knowing that the will of a heated 
and fatigued horse should be controlled, they have permitted him to 
eat as much as he pleased, or when heated, to drink as much cold 
pond or branch water as his great thirst would induce him ; which 
have often been the means of producing cholic, founder and other 
diseases, that too frequently prove fatal in the hands of the common 
farrier, to which title every hostler, blacksmith, and every blockhead 
of a servant, who does not even understand the currying of a horse, 
have pretensions. The loss of two or three quarts of blood, to a 
horse that has undergone excessive fatigue, will remove the soreness 
and stiffness of his limbs, the natural consequence of violent ex- 
ertions. 

VIII. — To prevent infectious diseases. 

Sect. 79. 

As most diseases, observes Mason, that are infectious, endanger 
the life of a horse, I consider it important to every owner of those 
useful animals, to be able to use a medicine that will act against or 
prevent those diseases that are contagious. I have been in the habit 
of owning from one to eight horses at a time, for fifteen years, and 
in all that time never lost a horse. I cannot help believing my suc- 
cess, in this respeet, has been much indebted to the constant use of 
asafetida, which I consider one of the most valuable and innocent 
medicines ever used amongst horses. It not only drives off diseases 
of almost every kind, but it keeps up the appetite, produces a remark- 
able fineness in the coat of hair, and gives such life and spirits as to 



44 THE FARMER^ COMPLETE FARRIER". 

induce even an old horse to attempt the attitudes and movements of 
the gay and mettled racer. 

The value of the asafetida is at present but little known for the 
use of horses ; but whenever it shall have been used or brought into- 
notice, its remarkable effects, no doubt, will prove what I now say.. 
Its virtues are acknowledged and remembered with pleasure, by all 
those who have used it in their stables. 

The asafetida is produced from a plant called perennial, and is a 
native of Persia : it has,, however, borne fertile seeds, in the open 
a-ir, in the botanical garden of Edinburgh. The gum resin is pro- 
duced from the roots of plants which are at least four years old. — 
When the leaves begin to decay, the stalk is twisted off and the 
earth removed from about their large tapering roots. The top of the 
root is sometime afterwards cut off transversely, and forty- eight hours 
afterwards the juice which has exsuded, is scraped off, and a second 
transverse incision is made : this operation is repeated until the root 
is entirely exhausted of juice: after being scraped off, the juice is 
exposed to the sun to- harden. It is brought to us in large, irregular 
masses, composed of various little shining lumps or grains, which 
are partly of a whitish color, partly reddish, and partly of a violet 
hue ; those masses are accounted best which are clear, or a pale red- 
dish color, and variegated with a number of elegant white tears.*— 
This drug has a strong fetid smell, somewhat like that of the garlic, 
and a bitter acid, biting taste. The smell resides entirely in the 
essential oil, which arises in distillation. It is the most powerful of 
all the fetid gums, and is a most valuable medicine* It acts as a 
stimulant, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, emmenagogue, and anthel- 
mintic, and its action is quick and penetrating. 

When a small piece of the asafetida has been placed in the manger 
©f a horse in health, I have known him to stand lor months in a stall 
next to one violently diseased, without taking the infection, or any 
ill consequence resulting from their contiguous situation. 

Preventive. — Take of asafetida, one ounce, divide it and wrap each 
piece in a clean linen rag ; nail one in the bottom of the manger the 
horse is fed in,, the other in the bottom of the bucket in which he is 
watered. The above quantity will last about three months; at the 
expiration of which time it must be replenished. 

A small piece confined to the bridle bit, will have the same effect,, 
when a horse goes from home ? . or enters on a journey^ 



CHAPTER IX. 

RAISING BLOODED HORSES, AND MANAGEMENT OF RACE HORSES. 

Sect. 80. 

The nature of the subjects of this chapter, is such that, to do justice, 
so far as our limits will permit, we cannot possibly avoid repeating 
what has been substantially said, in some preceding sections* We 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. &5 

shall, however, aim at perspicuity and brevity, and in doing so, we 
believe that our end will be more fully accomplished by submitting 
some able articles that have presented themselves, already prepared, 
than to detain the reader with what we might compile from various 
authors, because we find on comparing them, that they all agree in 
the main points. 

3ecL 81, 
Mode of paising a blooded Horse, 

[From the American Farmer.] 

"In the first place, be particular in selecting a good stock to breed 
from. When the mare is near foaling, let her be to herself, and if 
early in the season, let her have a good roomy stable to foal in; and 
in good weather, let her and her colt be turned into a lot, (of wheat 
I prefer.) Wean the colt the first of October, in a stable, until it is 
done snickering after its dam ; then turn it in a lot; if you have more 
than one, they will do best together. 

"Stable them at night, and turn them out in the day, except in 
very bad weather: force them all you can the first winter. To do 
this, their principal food should be cut oats, moistened with a due 
proportion of corn meal sprinkled over and mixed with them. Most 
foals are apt to be too delicate; forcing them, and keeping them warm 
at night, will increase the size of their limbs in proportion to the 
weight of their bodies. After they are one year old, they should not 
be kept so fat, nor yet permitted to get poor, A stud colt, which is 
intended to be kept as such, should be separated from other horses 
at a year old, and stabled of nights; his rack and manger should be 
so high as to strain him a little to get food ; the windows of the stable 
should also be high, as he will be looking out at them: by these 
means his shoulders will be thrown back, and his withers raised. If 
it be wished to increase his quarters, enlarge his museles, and other 
material parts, keep him in the stable frequently, for several daj-s 
together, which will animate him; then turn him out in a lot, and 
encourage him to run and exert himself all you can, as his parts will 
acquire size and strength in proportion to the use made of them. 

"I would recommend a mare of good form and thorough blood, 
though she cost the most, because her colts would cost no more to 
raise them than those from an ordinary mare, and would probably 
sell for more than three or four times as much. The reason I would 
wean in a stable is, that in the usual way of weaning in cornfields, 
&c, the colts run themselves poor before they are weaned. I prefer 
wheat lots for mares and colts, because they like it better than any 
thing else, and I think it agrees better with them. I find oats made 
use of as above stated, not only the most healthy and best, but also 
the cheapest food for mares and colts. In pursuing the course which 
has been laid down, I obtained the following results : 

"I selected a mare which I knew to be of good stock, but from 
improper raising was only four feet six inches high, and very deli- 



46 THE FARMER f S COMPLETE FARRIER, 

cate: The first removal from her was four feet ten inches; the second 
removal, five feet; the third was five feet two inches; the fourth was 
five feet six inches." — W.. E. Broadnax, Va„ 

Sect. 82. 

How to choose a good race Horse, 

[From the American Farmer.} 

A BLOODED HORSE , RULES. 

1st. Draw a base line from the stifle joint along the "bottom of the 
chest to the extreme point, of the elbow, and to the shoulder-blade 
joint. 

2dly. Draw a line from the curb or hock by the hip joint above 
the back, to an imaginary point. 

3dly. Draw another line from the point of the shoulder, ranging 
with the shoulder, and passing above the back, until it intersects the 
line at the imaginary point. 

4thly. Draw a line from the intersecting point of the shoulders, 
giving the same declension until it intersects the base line. 

5thly. From the stifle to the point of the buttock thence to the hip 
joint, thence declining to the stifle, 

6thly. Draw a tine from the hip to the base line, right angular de- 
clension, then to the shoulder up to the chest. 

Tthly. Then draw a straight line, regardless of the curve of the 
back, to a straight line intersecting at the shoulder at the beginning 
of the crest. 

8thly. Then take a line from the point of the shoulder, and angu- 
lar degree, ranging with the shoulder-blade to the top of the crest. 

9thly. Then, regardless of the rising of the crest, draw a straight 
line from the top of the shouider-blade, to intersect with the point of 
the former line. 

Thus the real symmetry of a grand and beautiful horse, possessed 
with muscular powers and strength, is formed by a right-angle trian- 
gle ; and the farther from it a race horse's form is, the less preten- 
sions that horse has to beauty, speed, bottom, or lastingness, ability 
to carry weight, or activity. 

A thick, upright shoulder, is a very certain mark of a "stumbler," 
and is fit for no use whatever but the slow draft. 

A low coupling in the back, is a true mark of weakness ; it de- 
notes want of strength, lastingness, ability to carry weight, or speed. 

A low loin, is a certain mark of weakness, and a weakly, washy 
constitution. 

But a rising loin, of ability to carry weight, speed, activity, and 
lastingness, and a good constitution, symmetry, beauty, and muscular 
strength. 

A race horse's legs cannot be too short. 

A great declivity, and thin shoulders, denotes speed. 

A narrow breast weakness. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 47 

A horse's breast bone, formed like that of the rabbit, denotes also 
speed, and it is the best form for a race horse. 

A short, broad hoek, denotes strength ; a broad stifle, well let 
down to the curb or hoek, denotes bottom or lastingness, strength and 
activity. 

There are not two race horses in five hundred, properly formed in 
the knees; whieh should be small, divested of superfluous appenda- 
ges, and strong ; they denote activity and strength. 

A lax, bending pastern, denotes also speed; a long horse is pre- 
ferable to a short one, because he can cover a great deal of ground, 
and can bear pressing better and longer. 

The race horse upon the whole, whose form in general, is compos- 
ed of the essential properties of the following animals, viz : the rab- 
bit, grey hound, and ostrich — is the best. — -Gorivood. 

Sect. 83. 

The management of race horses, i. e., the preparation of the 
horse, the rider, instructions for training; the after treatment of a 
horse after the race ; rules and regulations for racing in America and 
England ; and things that every sportsman should know, will be 
presented fully in Chap. XVL, to which the reader is respectfully 
referred. 



CHAPTER X. 

CONSTRUCTION OF STABLES AND GROOMING OF HORSES. 

Sect. 84. 

The proper construction of stables, stabling of horses, and their 
attendance, or grooming, are generally, too little regarded. These 
things are of the utmost importance ; if neglected, the consequences 
are fraught with incalculable disadvantages both to the owner and to 
the horse. Evils arising from a neglect in these things, are of far 
greater consequences than is generally imagined. 

The horse's native element is the uncontaminatecl, pure air, and 
he naturally prefers to range unrestrained by the walls of a murky 
stall. To stable him, is a deviation from nature ; hence the great 
importance in the proper construction of stables, and a judicious 
course of grooming, lest this deviation from nature, which is, even 
under the most judicious management, liable to produce some de- 
parture from health, does not produce diseases, and premature death 
in that animal, which lives for our comfort, and which demands noth- 
ing in exchange for services rendered, but u food sufficient, shelter 
and kind treatment." 

Sect. 85. 

The situation of a stable should be elevated — open and airy, and as 
free as possible from mud and wetness. The stable should be large. 



48 the farmer's complete farrier. 

cool and airy. There is perhaps, in the construction of stables no 
circumstance more worthy of attention than that of ventilation, or of 
having contrivances for the free admission of fresh air, and for the 
escape of the impure, which has been rendered so by the breathing 
of confined horses. It is a common mistake to suppose that warmth 
is so congenial to horses, that they cannot be kept too hot. From 
keeping stables too close and warm, arises the long catalogue of dis- 
eases to which this injudicious tvarming up of horses, subjects this 
noble animal. How can a horse be healthy when he is immersed in 
a foul atmosphere, which is produced in a close stable ? How can 
he, with any degree of impunity, inhale the tainted atmosphere, the 
unwholesome vapors from the litter ? To be convinced that close and 
warm stables produce disease, let him that doubts enter one of these 
close stables in the morning, and see whether he can breathe in it, 
many minutes without profuse perspiration, and besides, he will ex- 
perience very unpleasant, if not a painful sensation in the eyes, and 
so violent a cough, as will soon remove his scepticism, and afford him 
a convincing proof of the noxious and stimulating nature of such an 
atmosphere. In this atmosphere the horse stands hour upon hours, 
and should he not suffer ? 

Sect. 86. 

The stable should be lofty, if it can be conveniently done — it should 
be from ten to twelve feet in the clear ; the foul air, rendered such by 
the breathing of the horse, the unwholesome vapors from the litter, 
and by the steams of the perspiration of the skin, will then circulate 
in the higher parts, and the animal will not be constantly breathing 
the infectious atmosphere, which he is forced to do when the stable is 
not of sufficient height. Here the question presents itself, would it 
not be advisable, when practicable, to have openings in the ceilings, 
communicating with the atmosphere by square wooden tubes so as 
to permit the foul air to escape, without letting in rain ? 

The stable should by all means be so constructed as to admit pure 
air, and regulate the temperature, or heat of the stable, which should 
never exceed fifty degrees of Fahrenheit's thermometer in winter, and 
sixty-five in summer. 

The stable should not only be lofty, airy, and the temperature 
well regulated, but it should be light also. Light is a thing of so 
much importance, that the windows should be so constructed as to 
admit light and air, without producing a current of wind on the 
bodies of horses. Darkened stables are hurtful to the eyes of horses. 
The transition from a darkened stable to the light of the sun, out 
doors, is too great ; and it is to be perceived that when a horse is led 
from the murky stall, into the light, that, it at first irritates the eye 
and gives pain. To illustrate this, reference may be made to the un- 
pleasant feeling and the utter impossibility of seeing distinctly, when 
a man suddenly emerges from a dark place into the full blaze of day. 

Though a light stable is desirable, the sunshine should not be allow- 
ed to fall on the eye of a horse as he stands in his stall ; nor should 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 49 

that part of the stable which is before the horse's head be of too glar- 
ing a color. The constant reflection from a white wall or partition, 
will act as a stimulus on the eyes and renders them weak. As to 
the color of walls, stone or dove color is the most preferable. 

Sect. 87. 

In fitting up the interior of a stable, great attention should be paid 
to the size of the stalls, the floor, rack and manger, or trough. The 
stalls should be fifteen feet long and not less than six or seven feet 
wide, and the sides or partitions, eight feet high, so as to prevent any 
sort of contact or communication between the horses. The floor of 
the stalls should be made of a durable material. Some prefer planks, 
other hard bricks. Of whatever material you should prefer to make 
the floor of the stable, be careful, not to commit an error, as to the 
declivity or descent of the floor. The declivity we think the best, 
should be just sufficiently great to drain off the urine. We know 
this is a disputed point. When the declivity is great, the sinews of 
the back are too much on the stretch, and the horse becomes fatigued. 
When the fall is very considerable, unnecessary exertion is created 
in the muscles of the hind-leg, and the ligaments are constantly kept 
in a tense state. Some recommend a drain in the middle of the stall 
whereby the hind-feet and fore-feet of the horse may stand on a level. 

The best mode, says an experienced writer, of carrying off the 
urine is by means of a small grating to each stall, communicating 
with a cesspool without doors, which should be closed up, that a cur- 
rent of air may not come through the grating. Such a contrivance 
will effectually carry off the water, and prevent the volatile alkali of 
the urine from impregnating the air. 

Sect. 88. 

The rack and manger should be attended to. The rack should be 
made of wood, that is perfectly free from splinters, which sometimes 
injure the mouth. The common sloping racks are not the best-— 
they are the worst. They are disadvantageous in many respects ; 
the dust and fine particles of hay fall into the horses' eyes and the 
manes — much of the best and nutritious part of the hay, is lost. If 
placed in a slanting position, they must be elevated so as to give the 
horse room to put his head in between the trough and rack, and by 
this means usually placed so high, as to put the horse's neck, when 
pulling hay, injuriously on the stretch. The rack should be placed 
perpendicularly, and on a line with the manger, so that the horse 
may feed as he does in a state of nature, without being put to the 
stretch. The manger should be wide and deep, and so contrived, 
as to slide like a drawer, that it may be put out of the way while the 
groom is wisping, brushing or currying him, so that he will have 
nothing to lay hold of with his mouth, by which practice horses 
often become crib-biters. The same remarks as to the height of the 
manger, that are made above of the rack, are applicable. The height 
should be such as to enable the horse to feed with ease. 



50 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Sect. 89. 

The litter of horses should be kept as dry as possible, consequent- 
ly, it should be removed daily. When it is suffered to remain long - , 
under the erroneous notion of making better manure, the horse may 
suffer many serious inconveniences — he may be ruined. Neither is 
the manure, as is supposed by some, improved; for when it is remov- 
ed to the dung-hill, if that is properly constructed, (it should be a 
dung-pit,) the close confinement in the pit, improves it more than the 
open exposure in a properly ventilated stable, where it parts its salts, 
on which its properties as a manure partly depend. Nor should a 
heap of fermenting dung be suffered to remain during the day in the 
corner or in any part of the stable. 

Sect. 90. 

The currying or rubbing of horses is generally attended to, there- 
fore little need be said on this point. Horses that are left run out 
into the pasture, after the labor is done, need but little brushing. — 
But the horse which is confined to the stable, not much worked, and 
highly fed, requires considerable currying. Good rubbing with the 
brush or currycomb, opens the pores of the skin, and circulates the 
blood to the extremities of the body, and through the minute vessels 
of the skin, and produces free and healthy perspiration, and will an- 
swer the purpose of exercise. The legs, especially of horses, should 
be kept clean and free from dirt. Working or riding horses are soon 
stiffened, unless the legs are well rubbed. Dirt, suffered to form a 
lodgment, or wet remaining upon the legs in cold weather, will fret 
the skin, and cause cracked heels, grease, mallenders, &lc— such a 
train of stable plagues as may baffle the skill and efforts to cure, of 
the best farrier. 

Sect. 91. 

Stabled horses should be carefully and regularly exercised— -it is 
essential to their health. High feeding, heated stables, and unna- 
tural clothing with thick blankets, require the horse to be considerably 
exercised to prevent injurious consequences. Without regular exer- 
cise, horses become pursive, fat, heavy, and greased; for when the 
secretions do not find themselves natural vents by perspiration, &c, 
they will find themselves artificial ones. Exercise keeps down fat, 
and it also hardens and condenses the muscles, by drawing the fibres 
nearer together; it likewise enlarges the muscles. It improves the 
horse in every respect, in usefulness and value. The quantity of 
exercise necessarily must be regulated by a variety of circumstances, 
as age, constitution, condition, and his ordinary work. And a great 
deal depends upon the manner in which it is given. To preserve 
the temper, and to promote health, it should be moderate, at least at 
the beginning and the termination. 



51 



CHAPTER XI. 

THE ANATOMY OR OSSEOUS STRUCTURE OF THE HORSE. 

Sect. 92. 

Anatomy explains, if taken in its widest sense, the nature, office, 
and structure of every part of an animal. Animal anatomy has been 
appropriately divided, by writers, into three grand divisions, the 
osseous, the muscular, and the nervous structure of animals. The 
osseous is that which we shall now treat of. 

All quadrupeds are formed of an earthy base, called bone ; and 
the assemblage of bony parts, is called a skeleton. Bones are com- 
posed of earth and lime, held together by means of gelatin, a kind 
of glue, secreted by appropriate vessels. Bones are covered by a 
thin skin, called the periosteum, which bears the same relation to the 
bone as the skin to the body, serving as a covering for its surface, 
and a sheath for the different cavities which enter it. 

Sect. 93. 

Bones are all of them, except very flat ones, more or less hollow: 
within their caverns an oily fluid is secreted, called marrow or me- 
dulla, which serves for their support, and that of the constitution 
generally. Bones have nerves, blood vessels and absorbents. Bones 
are capable of reproduction. They are connected together by articu- 
lation, which, when moveable, is termed a joint. In some cases, as 
in the skull, bones articulate by indentation of the parts, this union 
is termed a suture. Bones may be classed in the following manner: 

1. Cylindrical bones, as in the fore-arms. 

2. Flat — as in the shoulder-blades. 

3. Irregular — as the ribs and bones of the skull. 
They are further divided into : 

1. Hollow bones, possessing marrow. 

2. Flat — nearly destitute of marrow, if not altogether. 

Ji skeleton is an assemblage of the osseous, or bony part of an 
animal, and is usually divided, when treated of, into: 
I. — The head. 
II. — The trunk. 
III. — The extremities. 

Sect. 94. 

First Division. — There are, by counting, the ten facial pairs as 
twenty bones, seventy-one bones entering into the composition of the 
head of the horse, including forty teeth, the usual number of a horse. 
The mare has usually four less than the horse. The tushes are 
wanting. 

The head may be divided into two parts, the cranium or skull, 
and the face. 



52 

The bones which compose the cranium, and which contain and 
protect the brain, are nine in number. These nine bones are sepa- 
rate in the foal, at an early period of its existence, but soon after 
birth, they are united by what anatomists call sutures, a kind of dove- 
tail union, as a cabinet maker would express himself. This suture 
union becomes so firm, that a fracture will occur in any other part 
more readily than over a suture. 

Number and names of the bones of the cranium. 

The occipital bone, technically called — os occipilis. 

Two frontal bones — ossa frontis. 

Two parietal bones — ossa parietalia. 

Two temporal bones — ossa temporum. 

The sphenoid bone — os sphenoides. 

The ethmoid bone — os ethmoides. 

Description of the bones of the cranium. — The occipal bone is, 
of all the cranial bones, the largest, thickest, and most compact; and 
in the colt, is composed of several pieces which unite by age. It is 
at the upper, and back part of the head, and articulates with the first 
cervical or neck vertebrae, called the atlas. At its posterior surface it 
is perforated by a large hole, which gives passage to the spinal marrow. 

The frontal bones constitute the forehead, and behind them is 
lodged the anterior and inferior portion of the brain. A division of 
their bony surfaces forms two cavities, called the frontal sinuses, 
which are lined by the nasal membrane throughout. These bones 
are united by a suture called the sagittal suture. 

The parietalia, or wall bones, lie on each side of the head, to 
which the posterior or lower jaw articulates. 

The two temporals, divided into a squamous and petrous portion, 
within which is situated the internal ear. 

The sphenoid bone, in form, writers have generally compared it 
with a bat — is hollow and irregular, and with the ethmoides, serves 
to intersect and attach the others ; and also, to assist by their cavities 
in extending the pituitary, or smelling membrane. It is called eth- 
moides, or sieve-like, because it is perforated with many holes.- — 
Through the numerous orifices, fine threads of nerves — the olfacto- 
ries — pass into the nasal cavities, to constitute the sense of smell. 

Sect. 95. 

The bones of the face, or facial bones, are ten pairs and two 
single bones. 

Number and names of the bones of the face. 

Nasal pair, technically called — ossa nasi. 

Two angulars — ossa lachrymalia. 

Two jugal — ossa malarum. 

Superior maxillary — ossa maxillaria superioria. 

Superior palatines — ossa palatina superioria. 

Inferior palatines — ossa palatina inferioria. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 53 

The pterygoides — ossa pterygoida. 

The anterior turbinated — ossa turbinata anterioria. 

The posterior turbinated — ossa turbinata posterioria. 

Vomer bone— os vomer. 

Posterior maxillary — os maxillare inferius. 

The hyoid bone — os hyoides. 

Intermaxillary bones — these are wanting in man. 

Description of the bones of the face. — The nasal bones are slen- 
der pieces, meeting in the middle, which thus enables the horse to 
resist hard blows — within their union, they hold the septum narium, 
or cartilaginous plate — the vomer, which separates one nostril from 
another. The bones also greatly assist to extend the surface of the 
smelling organ. The fossae or cavities within these bones, are the 
principal seat of glanders, one of the most formidable diseases to 
which the horse is subject. 

The two angular bones, or ossa lachrymalia, form a considerable 
portion of the orbits of the eyes, and are of the size of a shilling, or 
rather larger, having a groove to conduct the tears into the nose. 

The two jugal, malar or cheek bones, occupy also a portion of the 
orbits. The superior maxillary, or upper jaw bones, are the largest 
of the facial bones, and contain all the upper molar teeth, or grinders. 
The inferior, or intermaxillary bones are wanting in man, in whom 
the face is short — these bones concur with the superior maxillary in 
forming the alveoli or sockets, in which the teeth are deeply and 
firmly fixed. 

The superior palatines, the inferior palatines, the pterygoids, the 
two anterior and the two posterior turbinated bones, with the vomer, 
make up the remaining facial bones, with the exception of the poste- 
rior maxillary, which, on its anterior edge, is pierced to lodge the 
teeth. At the upper part it extends itself into two angular branches, 
each of which ends in two processes and an intermediate groove. — 
This bone, throughout, shows the most admirable mechanism ; the 
molar or grinding teeth, on which most is dependent, and whose ex- 
ertions is the greatest, are placed near the centre of motion — and as 
the upper jaw, in most animals, is fixed, or nearly so, it was necessary 
that the lower should have considerable extent of motion, for the pur- 
pose of grinding; and it is accordingly so formed as to admit of 
motion in every direction. 

The os hyoides — shaped much like the capital U— is a bone situ- 
ated within the head, at the root of the tongue, to which it serves as 
a support, and for the attachment of the muscles. 

Sect. 96. 

The teeth of the horse are the hardest and most compact bones of 
the body, of all animals. There are usually forty of them in the 
horse, and there are thirty-six in the mare. In the latter the tushes 
are usually wanting. 

Division, names and number of teeth.*— They are usually divided 
into three classes, viz : 



54 the farmer's complete farrier. 

1. Nippers — Incisor es, twelve of them. 

2. Tushes — Cuspidati, four. 

3. Grinders — Molar es, twenty-four — which numbers are equally 
divided between the two jaws, 

Sect. 97. 

Second Division or Bones of the Trunk. — The trunk of the 
skeleton consists of the spine, the pelvis, and the chest or thorax, com- 
posed of the ribs and sternum. 

The bony column, called the spine, consists of fifty bones, includ- 
ing fourteen tail-bones, viz : 
Seven neck, or cervical. 
Eighteen back, or dorsal. 
Six loin, or lumbar. 

Five rump, or sacral vertebras, with the addition of thirteen or 
fourteen small tail bones, called caudal vertebrse. 
The pelvis or basin consists of five bones, viz : 
The lower spinal bone, called os sacrum. 
Two broad hip bones — ossa innominata. 
The two lowest points of the spinal bone— ossa coccygis. 

The thorax or chest consists of thirty-seven bones, viz : 
The breast bone, called sternum. 
Thirty-six ribs — cosias. 
It is on this bony column, or the spine, that the horse is to carry 
the burden or weight placed on him, and there are two principal things 
to be considered ; easiness of carriage and strength. If the spine 
were to be composed of unyielding materials, if it resembled a bar 
of wood, the jar or jolting of the animal could not possibly be en- 
dured. To avoid this, the back is so constructed as to meet the end 
for which the horse was made— the spine is both flexible* and the 
parts well united with peculiar firmness to afford strength to the ani- 
mal. 

Sect. 98. 

In this Section, and in Sect. 99 to 103, as minute a description as 
our limits Avill allow, is given of the bones of the trunk. 

The neck, or cervical vertebrae, called by farriers and butchers, the 
" rack bones," are seven in number, and differ somewhat in figure ; 
especially do the first and second, and present some peculiarities. 
The first is the only one to which the great suspensory ligament of 
the neck does not attach itself, which would have interfered with that 
freedom of motion which is so graceful in this noble animal. It ar- 
ticulates with the second by receiving its tubercular process within it, 
and from which process the second of these bones has been called 
dentata, or tooth-like bones. The first bone of the neck is called the 
atlas, so named from supporting the head, as Atlas^ the philosopher, 
was supposed (fabulously) to support the world. Between these two 
neck bones, the atlas and dentata, is situated apart, where the spinal 
marrow is exposed from any bony covering ; at which part butchers 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 55 

plunge a pointed knife into what they call the pith of the neck, when 
they want to kill an animal instantaneously, and without effusion of 
blood ; whence it is called pithing. The remaining five cervical 
vertebrae resemble each other. 

Sect. 99. 

The back bones, or dorsal vertebrae, are nearly alike in structure, 
except in the length of the spinous process of the first seven or eight. 
It is owing to these elongated spines that we owe the height of the 
withers ; and as the intention of these parts seems principally to 
serve as levers for the muscles of the back inserted into them, so we 
can readily understand why their increased or diminished height is 
favorable or unfavorable to moving. These, like the former, articulate 
with each other by processes, as well as by the anterior and posterior 
surfaces of their bodies ; between each of which is an intervening 
substance, exceedingly elastic, semi-cartilaginous in its structure, con- 
vex on both sides, thicker in the centre than at the edges, which is 
analagous to a small cushion, thus permitting an easy motion of spine, 
from its peculiar form and compressibility. 

Sect. 100. 

The six loin or lumbar vertebrae, differ from the dorsal in being 
larger, and having very long transverse processes to make up for the 
deficiency of the ribs in the loin. These bones often unite by the 
pressure of heavy weights, and spontaneously by age, and thus we 
need not be surprised at the stiffness with which some old horses rise 
up. The union of the back and the loins should be carefully re- 
marked. There is sometimes a depression between them ; a kind of 
line is drawn across which shows imperfection in the construction of 
the spine, and may be regarded as a sure sign of weakness. 

Sect. 101. • 

The five rump or sacral vertebrae, are united into one to give 
strength to the column, and to serve as a fixed support to the pelvis , 
or the hinder and lower part of the abdomen, in which the bladder and 
rectum are contained, or basin, with which it is interwedged. From 
this compact and firm union, it will appear how admirably this spiral 
column is adapted to its important functions of serving as a flexible 
but powerful support to the machine ; and how by the formation of a 
large foramen or opening within the substance of each vertebrae, a 
bony canal is offered for the safeguard of the spinal marrow, from 
which, through lateral openings in the vertebrae, the spinal nerves 
ramify, or are given off in pairs. 

The pelvis or basin supported by this osseous column, is compo- 
sed of the os sacrum, ossa innominata andossa coccygis. The ossa 
innominatain the fetal colt before birth, are each composedof the ili- 
um, the ischium, and the pubis, all traces of which divisions are lost 
before birth. The ilium is the most considerable, and forms the 



56 

haunches by a large unequal protuberance which, when prominent, 
occasions the horse to be called ragged hipped. The next largest 
bone is the ischium, or hip bone, on each side. The pubis or share- 
bone is the least of the three : in conjunction with the ischium, forms the 
acetabulum, or cup-like cavity, in which the head of the thigh bone 
lodges. The pelvis, as above remarked, is supported by the sacral 
vertebrae, and attached to the sacrum, by ligaments of prodigious 
strength ; but has no bony union, by which means, as in the fore ex- 
tremities, some play is given, and the jar of pure bony connexion is 
avoided. 

The two extreme sacral vertebras are termed ossa coccygis. The 
elongation of the spine, or caudal vertebrae, are generally about fifteen. 
These are sometimes called twirl bones, from the convolutary mo- 
tion afforded the animal in switching flies and other insects. 

Sect. 102. 

The thorax or chest, which contains the heart and lungs, compri- 
ses the sternum or breast bone. The sternum of the horse is inclin- 
ed, like the keel of a ship, to which the ribs are attached by strong 
ties. The costae or ribs are usually eighteen, in a few instances nine- 
teen or twenty, to each side : eight articulate with the sternum, and 
are called true ribs, while the remaining ten, uniting together by inter- 
vening cartilages, are called false ribs. The centrals are the longest, 
those anterior and posterior are shortest. The first is placed perpen- 
dicularly, the second less so ; and their obliquity, as well as dimen- 
sions, increase as they advance, so as to enlarge the chest to an al- 
most circular form, which is the most desirable ; but when they are 
less arched, the belly partakes of the defect, and a flat sided one is 
commonly a bad carcassed horse. 

Sect. 103. 

The third Division, or bones of the extremities. — In the bones 
of the extremities there is such a peculiar adaptedness, displaying a 
mechanism as ought to excite admiration. Of a truth, we are led to 
exclaim, this animal is " wonderfully made." 

Names of the bones of the anterior extremities. 

The two shoulder-blades — ossa scapulae. 

Two arm-bones — ossa radii and ossa ulnae, forming the humurus. 

Two wrists — ossa carpi. 

Two canons, or shanks — ossa metacarpi. 

Four splint bones — ossa additamentae. 

Pasterns — ossa tali. 

Four Sesamoids — ossa sesamoides. 

Lesser pasterns— ossa coronis. 

Coffin-bones — ossa tragii,or astraguli. 

Shuttle-bones — ossa naviculare. 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 57 

Names of the bones of the posterior extremities. 

The upper thigh bones — called ossa femoris. 
Stifle bones — ossa patellas. 
Lower thigh bones — ossa tibiae. 
Outside bones of the leg — ossa fibulas. 
Hock bones — ossa tarsi, formed by six bones. 

Sect. 104. 

interior extremities. — The scapula or shoulder-blade, situated 
forward on the side of the chest, is a broad, flat, and somewhat tri- 
angular shaped bone. It does not much resemble the human scapula. 
Its superior surface is furnished with a considerable cartilage, by 
means of which its surface is greatly enlarged, without increasing 
much in weight. The posterior surface ends in a superficial cavity, 
called glenoid or shallow cavity, which receives the head of the hu- 
murus or the arm bone. It is divided in its upper surface by its 
spine. The shoulder-blade has neither bony nor ligamentous union, 
but is held in its situation by very powerful muscles. Its usual situ- 
ation is to a plane perpendicular to the horizon, at an angle of thirty 
degrees ; and it has a motion in its greatest extent of twenty degrees ; 
hence as it does not pass beyond the perpendicular backwards, so the 
more oblique its natural situation is, the more extensive are its motion. 

Sect. 105. 

The humurus or arm bone is so concealed by muscles as to be 
overlooked by a cursory observer, and hence the radius or next bone 
below, is usually called the arm. It extends from what is called the 
point of the shoulder, but which, in fact, is a protuberance of its 
own elbow, forming an angle with the scapula, and extending oblique- 
ly backwards as that does forwards. Near its upper extremity it 
sends off a very powerful head to articulate with the shoulder-blade. 
The motions of the humurus are necessarily confined to a removal 
from its inclined point backward to the perpendicular line of the 
body. 

Sect. 106. 

The radius and ulna or fore-arm. — The fore-arm is strictly speak- 
ing, composed of the radius and an appendage, the ulna united to it. 
The ulna in man is a distinct bone, but as the leg of the horse re- 
quires a rotary motion, it was unnecessary to be a distinct bone in 
him. We here, however, remark, that in the colt, the ulna is really 
distinct ; and in the adult horse unites with the radius, and serves as 
an attachment to muscles. On the slightest inspection of the skele- 
ton, it will appear how much the motions of the fore-leg must depend 
on the length and obliquity of this part of the bone or process, which 
acting on the principle of a lever in the extension of the arm, must 
necessarily, as it is either long or short, make all the difference be- 
tween a long and a short purchase in its mechanical power. The 
5 



58 the farmer's COMPLETE farrier. 

breadth of the arm, as it is called, at this part, will, from this reason- 
ing, be seen to be very important. A full and swelling fore-arm, all 
agree, is the characteristic of every thorough-bred horse, and for speed 
and continuance is unequalled. 

Sect. 107. 

The carpus or wrist, called the knee, is composed of seven bones, 
whose principal uses appear to be to extend the surface of attach- 
ment of ligaments and tendons, and by their interruptions to lesson 
the shocks of moving or of progression. The carpal or wrist bones 
articulate with each other, and have one investing capsular, or chest- 
like ligament, by which means the smallest wound of the knee which 
penetrates this ligament, has the effect of opening the whole joint; 
hence the quantity of synovia or joint oil, which escapes in these ca- 
ses, and, hence also the dangerous consequences which ensue. 

Sect. 108. 

The metacarpus, shank or canon, is formed of one large metacar- 
pal bone and two small ones called splint bones, which are united 
with it by strong ligamentary attachments, converted by age into a 
bony one. The inner splint bone is placed nearer the centre of the 
weight of the body than the other, and from the nature of its connect- 
ion with the bones of the knee, actually receives more of the weight 
than does the outer bone, and therefore is more liable to injury and 
inflammation, and the consequent displacing the bone. The inner 
bone receives the whole of the weight transmitted to one of the small 
bones of the knee. It is the only support of that bone. A portion 
only of one of the bones rests on the outer splint bone, and the weight 
is shared between it and the shank. 

Sect. 109. 

The pasterns or ossa tali, between the metacarpus and the hoof, 
constitute the extremity below the common shank, and consists of 
one phalange only, comprising all the mechanism and a double por- 
tion of complexity of all the phalanges in the digitated or fingered 
tribes. Four bones enter into its composition with two small bones, 
resembling an Indian bean, called sesamoides, to each fetlock ; placed 
there, not only to act as a spring and prevent concussion, but to throw 
the tendon of the foot which runs over them farther from the centre 
of motion. The pastern bone, or ostalis, is situated obliquely for- 
ward, and on this obliquity depends the ease and elasticity of the 
motion of the animal : nevertheless, when it is too long, it requires 
great efforts in the tendons and ligaments to preserve it in its situa- 
tion ; and thus long-jointed horses must be more subject to fatigue 
and to strains than others. 

Sect. 110. 

The lesser pastern or coronary bone receives the greater, and be- 
low expands into a considerable surface articulating with the coffin 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 59 

and navicular bones. The coffin bone forms the third phalange, and 
-corresponds in shape with the hoof. It is very porous, and laterally 
receives two prominent cartilages. It is around the outer surface of 
this bone that the sensible laminae are attached ; and the inferior sur- 
face receives the ilex or tendon. The navicular nut or shuttle bone, 
is situated at the posterior part of the coffin, and unites with that and 
the preceding- bone. 

The importance of a more minute description of the foot of the 
horse, is acknowledged; because of all the diseases to which the 
horse is liable, none are so difficult to cure as those that attack the 
foot ; but the limits in this chapter, and the plan of the work will not 
allow us to enlarge here; however, when we shall speak of the dis- 
eases of the extremities, in Chap. XIL, we will treat more at large of 
both the anatomy and physiology of the foot. 

Sect. 111. 

Posterior extremities. — The posterior differ much from the ante- 
rior, not only in their superior strength, and in their different lengths 
and directions of the parts, but also in some degree in iheir uses. 

In our description of the hinder extremities, we Wl begin with 
the haunch bone, which is composed of three bones, the ilium, ischi- 
um^ and pubis. The first is principally concerned in the formation 
of the haunch. Its extended branches behind *he flanks are promi- 
nent in every horse, and when they are mor than usually wide, the 
animal is said to be ragged-hipped. A br acn runs ll P to the spine 
at the commencement of the sacral vert' or8e > and here the haunch- 
bones are firmly united with the bone of tne spine. The ischius 
or hip-bone, is behind and below the^ w - The P uh ™ unites with 
the two former below and behind. 

Sect. 113 

The femur or thigh bone is the Vs* 58 * of the body, its vast in- 
dentations and risings, almost pe>!* ar to ltself > show the great 
strength of the muscles inserted 'f "• At articulates Wlth the ac ^ 
tabulum, the socket for the head/ tne thigh bone,™ hip joint, by a 
strong head called a whirl bone! ln this situation it is held not only 
bv a powerful capsular liffam/' a nd still more powerful muscles, 
but by an admirable contrivaf ™ suUln J> tr °m * ligamentary rope, 
which springs immediately 'n™ middle of its head, and is firmly 
fixed within the socket jo* * n lts /'.^ural situation it is not per- 
pendicular as in the hum n ™' bu in f ines to »j angle of about 
forty-five degrees. Th^T P re f nts f f Protuberances for the 
attachment of very Br ™77 tI it tr °< h ?! lters > from ^ 
Greek, trochao, to\£j °J'J h ™ u f ^ Lt "hibits a mechanism 
uniting combined j™" % ^ and . 8 **g * ""known to other 
animals The la 1 °f , bone 1S rece ^ed by its condyles, 
Tknot sof ointry hG dee P Sessions of the tibia, whti ihl 
pateUa % knee J ' ShdeS ° Ver the antedor P ortlons of both bones. 



60 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Sect. 113. 

The patella, answering to the knee-pan in the human subject, and 
which is called in common language, the stifle, is nearly angular, and 
serves for the insertion of some of the strongest muscles of the thigh, 
which are then continued down the leg. It thus appears to act as a 
pulley. 

The tibia, or leg bone, is usually in horsemen's language, called 
the thigh. It is a bone formed of a large epiphysis, (a process attached 
to a bone, and not a part of the same,) with a small attached part 
called the fibula* a long body, and an irregular lower end, adapted to 
the peculiarities in shape of the principal bones of the back, with 
which it articulates. The obliquity in the situation of this bone cor- 
responds with that of the femur, being as oblique backwards as the 
former is forwards. The length of the tibia is a prominent character 
in all animals of speed ; in this respect it corresponds with the fore- 
arm, and the remarks made on that apply, with even more force, 
to this — that length is advantageous to speed, but less to ease of 
motion. 

Sect. 114. 

The fibula forx^s a prominent instance, in common with splint 
bones, of what we ^marked above, in our detail of the extremities — 
that many parts, whot» llses d i d no t strike the unobservant, would be 
found to be organs of h^mony, placed in the body to prevent inter- 
ruption to completing the general plan of animal organization. In 
this way the fibula appears I>, t a p roceS s springing from the posterior 
part of the tibia, terming bui tne rudiments of the human bone of 
that name. \ 

Sect. us. 

The tarsus, or the hock c the horse, is a striking instance of the 
perfect mechanism dispiayet m the bony structure of ^ is admired 
animal. It is formed by an --gmbly of six bones, and sometimes 
of seven. As the human anat ny is generally rece ived as the stan- 
dard of comparison, we must, n order to a p r consideration of 
the hock, consider it as the instep,^ heel; and ^ ^ beyond 

it as the foot. The human tarsus akeg a right ^ ^.^ 

in standing or walking ; but, in ttie^^ the hock makeg ^ 
angle with the tibia, and is tar rem d frQm the nd< Jn h{ 

and the greater part of the upright Nd d aR the boneg frQm 
the hock downwards are much > elontj and form a Qf 

upright pillar of the hm b In the hor. #heref ^ ^ 
hock is the true point of he heel, and, 



l0 ck is tne true punn in ^ „ZVrn P Zn4 n the huma » %« r e, the 
rreat twisted tendons of the gastr ^cnem f or J^ } 

muscles are inserted into it: tattkag J ^ 

would be rather forced here. A bioad hock observe d in 

the exterior conformation, may be now still ^™ 
very important to strength and speed; &r & e ^^ ^nto^e 
or Lei bone of the hock, the longer must be th^ ^~£ 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 61 

cles of the thigh act by ; and a very slight increase or diminution in 
its length must make a very great difference in the power of the 
joint. It is by this tendon acting on this mechanism, that, when the 
animal has inclined the angle between the canon and the tibia, or, in 
other words, when the extremities are bent under him in the gallop 
or trot, he is enabled to open it again. 

The bones of the hock, like those of the knee, are united together 
by strong ligamentous fibres ; and it is an inflammation of those uniting 
the calcaneum and cuboid bones, that the disease called a curb, is to be 
attributed ; and to a similar inflammatory affection of the ligaments in 
the front hocks, that spavins of the first stage are owing: in the latter 
stages the peritoneum and bones themselves become affected. The 
remainder of the bones below do not differ so essentially from the 
corresponding bones in the fore-legs as to need a separate descrip- 
tion. 

Sect. 116. 

We shall here close our remarks on the bony base of the horse, 
and add a few brief extracts on the appendages of the bones, and 
define the names of the muscular and nervous structure of animals. 
The limits of the work do not allow us to enter systematically into 
a detail of those parts. But when we treat of diseases, we shall, as 
the nature and case may demand, describe more fully the muscular 
and nervous structure with their constituents. 

The appendages to the bones are cartilage and gristle, the perios- 
teum, the marrow, the ligaments, «and the synovia or joint oil. 

The ligaments are compact, fibrous substances, which serve as a 
connecting medium between the bones. They possess great strength, 
and are common to every part of the body. 

The synovia or joint oil is secreted from the living membrane of 
the joints, and affords a slippery medium that enables the bones to 
glide readily over each other. 

Muscle is that part of the body of the horse termed flesh, to dis- 
tinguish it from the skin, gristle, bone, ligament, &c. The muscles 
are composed of reddish fibres. All the motions of the animal are 
performed by means of the muscles. 

Tendons are inelastic, tough, fibrous substances, of a whitish 
color. 

The arteries are long membraneous canals. They gradually de- 
crease in their diameter, as they proceed from the heart. They ter- 
minate in veins and in exhalent openings, by means of which sweat 
is produced. The use of the arteries is to convey blood from the 
heart to different parts of the body. 

The veins are vessels which return the blood of the body which 
has been distributed to it. They are less solid, and more numerous 
than the arteries. 

The absorbent system of the horse is composed of the lymphatics 
and lacteals, which are thin and transparent, having great strength 
and power of contractibility. Where they become very minute, they 
are termed capillaries. 



62 

The nervous system of the horse is composed of white medullary 
cords springing from the brain and spinal marrow. Their internal 
structure is fibrous, and they spread themselves over every part of 
the body. The brain is considered the seat of sensation and volition, 
and the nerves are deemed the messengers to convey it throughout 
the system. 

The glands are a numerous set of secretory bodies, composed of 
all the different vessels, enclosed in the membrane. 

See*. 117. 

Hair is the clothing of brutes. It is a production of the skin. It 
varies in color, and is designed both for ornament and use. 

The cuticle is placed immediately under the hair, and is a hard 
insensible covering. 

The cutis, or true skin, is situated immediately under the hair and 
cuticle. It is the general investiture of the body, possesses exqui- 
site sensibility, and constitutes the true organ of touch. It is gelati- 
nous, and is used in the manufacture of glue. 

The cellular membrane and fat constitute considerable portions of 
most animals. The adipose membrane is cellular, and extends over 
most parts of the body. The cells communicate with each other. 
The fat is the unctuous juice secreted in these cells. 

The brain is situated in the hollow of the skull, surrounded by 
two coverings, between which lies a third membrane. The brain 
has four ventricles or cavities, together with many prominences. 
The analogy between the human brain and that of the horse is very 
strong. 

The ear of the horse, in its internal condition, differs but little 
from the same organ in man. 

Sect. US. 

The eyes of the horse are not, like those in man, placed directly 
in front, but inclining laterally. The eyelids are an upper and an 
under, moved by muscles, and forming an admirable curtain to pro- 
tect the eye from extraneous matter. The globe of the eye is com- 
posed of coats, chambers and humors. The cornea, which is trans- 
parent, is formed of thin concentric plates of different degrees of 
convexity in different animals. The cornea is full of vessels, and 
in an inflamed state admits the red blood, as may be seen by the uni- 
versal redness over the whole. 

The pupil of the eye is the perforation which is seen, annular in 
human, oblong in the horse, ox and sheep, and perpendicular in the 
cat. It is an aperture in the membrane, termed the iris, on which 
the color of the eye depends. In the horse it is usually brown, occa- 
sionally white, when the animal is said to be wall-eyed. 

The humors of the eye are, the vitreous, the chrystaline, and the 
aqueous. The vitreous humor is of a jelly-like consistence, and 
occupies all the globe, except those parts taken up by the other 
humors. The chrystaline humor forms a lenticular body of mode- 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 63 

rate consistence, and is properly termed a lens. It is doubly eonvex. 
It is a diseased opacity of this body that forms a cataract. The 
aqueous humor is a limpid fluid that fills up the spaces not occupied 
by those already described. 

The motions of the eye-ball are made by means of seven mus- 
cles. 

"The criteria of soundness in the eyes are gained by a careful 
examination of them, and which experience has shown to be best 
made by plaeing the horse within a stable, with his head nearly ap- 
proaching the stable door, which should be fully open. Small eyes 
are found more prone to inflammation than large, and large goggling 
eyes are liable to accompany a starting horse more than lesser ones ; 
and when the convexity is extreme, not only is the starting in pro- 
portion, but such eyes are more liable than others to become affected 
with the disease popularly termed glass-eyes, but correctly gutta 
serena. It is not, however, to be understood that all starters have 
defective eyes ; many are so from natural timidity, and still more 
from hard usage and bad management in breaking and handling. 
The eyes should be examined together, not only to observe whether 
each presents an equal degree of clearness in the transparent part 
and within the pupil, but also that an equal degree of contraction 
exists between each of the pupils. This is of much consequence : 
if an inequality in size and form be observable between the pupils, 
the least of them has been in some way affected, and will probably 
become so again. It is even more suspicious when a turbid milki- 
ness appears on any part of the transparent portion ; and equally so, 
when the inferior part looks other than clear ; or in a very strong 
light, with a lively blueish tinge. When it is all turbid, viewed 
under various aspects, regard it attentively, and there may probably 
be found an inward speck of perfect white, which is the nucleus or 
central point of an incipient cataract." A glassy greenish cast in the 
eye should always excite suspicion. Such eyes are not unfrequently 
totally blind. 

Sect. 119. 

The nose or organ of smell, in most quadrupeds, is next in import- 
ance to that of the eye. Its sensibility is derived from the olfactory 
nerves, spread over its surface. It is this membrane which is the 
seat of the glanders. The horse breathes in ail ordinary cases 
through the nostrils. 

The external parts of the mouth are the lips, cheeks and beard. 
The lips are fleshy masses, covered with skin, and forming the organ 
of touch. The cheeks are muscular and moveable, and furnished 
with hair. 

The internal parts of the mouth are the teeth, the gums, the alveo- 
lary edges, the palate, the tongue, and the parts of the great posterior 
cavity. The gums are a spongy substance, which hold fast the 
teeth. The palate forms a bony arch, covered by membraneous folds, 
which are apt, when the stomach is affected, to become swollen, and 
this is called the lampers. 



84 the farmer's complete farrier. 

The tongue is a long' fleshy mass, adapting itself below, to the 
form of the channel, and above, to the arch of the palate. It is a 
principal organ in mastication. 

The pharynx is formed by the termination of the month and nose. 

The larynx is placed at the posterior part of the former cavity, 
and forms a kind of cartilaginous box, or entrance to the wind pipe, 
furnished with a moveable door, which fills up the cavity formed by 
the arch of the palate curtain, thereby closing the cavity of the mouth 
and forcing the animal to breathe through his nose. 

Sect. 120. 

The parotid glands, or in the language of farriers, the vives, are 
two pretty large bodies on each side of the head, extending from the 
base of the ear around the angle of the jaw. Each parotid gland has 
little ducts, uniting into one and entering the mouth about the second 
molar tooth. These glands furnish saliva for the use of the mouth, 
and it is a gathering in them that constitutes the strangles in young 
horses. The external parts of the neck are the common coverings, 
the cervical ligament, the muscles, and the jugular or neck veins. 

The internal parts of the neck are the vertebrae, which pass the 
spinal marrow ; the carotid arteries, which pass up under the jugular 
veins ; the trachea or wind-pipe, for the transmission of air; and the 
aesophagus, a continuation of the funnel-like cavity of the pharynx. 

When the chest of the horse is opened, a smooth polished mem- 
brane is seen, covering its contents, which is called the pleura. 

The diaphragm or midriff, divides the chest from the belly by its 
disk, and is a very important part of the body of the horse. 

The heart is the great agent of circulation, and is composed of 
membraneous and muscular fibres, having four principal cavities and 
several openings. 

The lungs are spungy masses, divided into right and left, with 
lesser divisions termed lobes. Their color, in a colt, is a light lively 
pink ; in a full grown horse, they approach to a gray tint. These 
parts are extremely liable to inflammation. 

Sect. 121. 

The viscera of the abdomen include the stomach, the lobes of the 
liver; the omentum or cawl to the whole inferior curvature of the 
stomach ; the spleen, the kidneys ; the rectum ; the ovaria ; the uterus; 
the bladder; the diaphram ; the gullet; the trachea, &c. 

The abdomen, or cavity of the belly, forms an oval vault, and is 
the largest cavity of the body. It is elastic and strong. 

The horse has but one stomach, and that is a small one. It is pe- 
culiarly constructed. It is immediately contiguous to the diaphragm, 
or great breathing muscle. This accounts for the difficulty of respi- 
ration after a full meal. 

The intestines are not merely secreting organs, but possess a diges- 
tive character ; and may be considered as continuations of the stom- 
achic viscera. This is more particularly the case with the small 
intestines. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 65 

The spleen or milt, is a very spungy body situated at the greater 
extremity of the stomach. 

The kidneys are two excremental glands, placed in the lumbar re- 
gion, the right more anterior than the left. From the cavities of the 
kidneys, the duct termed the ureter passes out, and carries off the 
urine secreted within them. These ureters convey the urine to the 
bladder. 

The bladder of the horse is a membraneous sack for the reception 
of the urine, resting on the pubis, immediately under the rectum. — 
To the bladder is attached a membraneous pipe called the urethra, 
which passes through the penis, and by that means ejects the urine. 

Sect. 122. 

The male organs of generation in the horse, are the testicles, which 
are two in number. 

The penis or yard, is a long body, in one part nearly prismatic, 
and in another cylindrical. It is composed of two flattened portions 
closely connected, a spongy canal, which is the urethra above men- 
tioned, and the glands or head. 



CHAPTER XII. 

DISEASES AND ACCIDENTS TO WHICH THE HORSE IS LIABLE, AND MEDI- 
CAL TREATMENT WHEN IN A DISEASED CONDITION. 

Sect. 123. 

No animal in a state of nature is freer from disease than the horse ; 
but no sooner is he made to yield to the dominion of the lord of the 
brute creation, and treated according to the laws or customs deviating 
from nature, than he is liable to have his health impaired — his dis- 
eases begin and increase till they are as numerous and complicated, 
as is his harmonious, yet complex structure. 

Man, who in his desire to subdue all to his dominion, is the author 
of nearly all the sufferings of this noble animal, the horse ; but man 
too is bound from a principle of gratitude, aside from considerations of 
gain, to study the nature and cause of the diseases of the horse, and 
all domesticated animals ; and also to attend to both the prevention 
and cure of diseases. From a principle of gratitude we owe it to the 
horse to attend to his health. He lives exclusively for our benefit. 
He lives not to hoard up dollars and cents, and add lots to fields and 
farms, for his offspring to enjoy. He labors faithfully, if kindly treat- 
ed, and for all his important services his demands are reasonable — he 
asks neither wages nor clothing; but reasonably, I had almost said, 
he religiously demands, besides food and shelter, kind and skilful 
treatment when sick. And should not all who have a horse be ready 
and willing to discharge this debt they owe? To study his diseases, 
the nature of efficient remedies, and come to his relief, is man's duty. 



66 THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

To aid those who feel disposed to discharge this duty, we here 
place, so far as the limits before us permit, within their reach, the 
means of informing themselves on this important subject. 

Sect. 124. 

When studying the nature of the diseases of horses, never lose 
sight of this important fact, that a knowledge of the diseases of ani- 
mals in general, cannot be inferred with any degree of certainty from 
a knowledge of the diseases of any one particular species of animals. 
This may be owing in a great degree to the anatomy and physiology 
of the animals, and their manner of living, and the food they subsist 
upon. A man may be well acquainted with the diseases of a horse, 
and he would not from this circumstance be fully prepared to pre- 
scribe correctly for the diseases of quadrupeds generally. There are 
many things to be taken into consideration — the differences are great. 
For example, the dog, as is well known, has no sensible perspiration. 

Again, the mouth of the horse performs but one office, that of con- 
veying food to the stomach. It conveys nothing to the lungs, or from 
them. It has nothing to do with the modulation of the voice, as in 
most quadrupeds, and especially as in man. The passage to the 
lungs and the stomach in the horse are distinct. 

The horse, unlike most other quadrupeds, has no gall-bladder, 
notwithstanding the prevailing notions of some, and the assertion of 
those who have used the skin of the gall-bladder of a horse to cure 
cancers, to the contrary.* 

Sect. 125. 

We stated above, that the diseases of animals differ as much as 
their anatomy and physiology, &c. Medicine, as to its specific ac- 
tion, also affects animals differently. Glauber salts, in doses of one 
pound, operate on the ox as a cathartic, but on the horse they operate 
as a diuretic. Opium does not produce its specific effect upon the 
horse. In man it has an anodyne effect. In the horse it operates 
merely as an astringent. It will not mitigate pain. 

Barks produce no sensible effect upon the horse. There are no 
medicines that operate on the horse as ipecacuanha and tartar emetic 
do upon man. Tartar emetic, in doses of four ounces, will some- 
times occasion a little nausea and purging ; but in smaller doses it has 
no sensible effect. No preparation of mercury will produce saliva- 
tion or ptyalism in the horse. His gums may be made sore by 
mercury, but ptyalism cannot be produced. 

Sugar of lead, which is poisonous to man, the horse can take with 
impunity. Tobacco has no deleterious effect upon the horse. Spirit 
of turpentine, which a child may handle without injury, operates as 
a caustic when applied to the skin of a horse, although it may be ap- 
plied to sores of horses and fungous flesh on him without producing 

* We neither allude to D. B. of pow-ow-ing memory, nor to Doctor Talpin, 
perhaps a relation of B., and author of a Farriery, in which he gives long ac- 
counts of the gall and gall-bladder, and gall- diseases. 



67 

pain. These hints on this subject may suffice to direct the enquiring 
reader, to investigate more fully, what has been said in reference to 
diseases and medicines. 

Sect. 126. 

T compress as much matter of lasting utility as we possibly can, 
within the limits prescribed us, and to render the work a practical 
one. we shall arrange the remarks submitted on the diseases, cures 
and treatment of horses, under the following general heads : 

A. — The diseases of the head. 

B. — The diseases of the neck. 

C. — -The diseases of the chest. 

D. — The diseases of the stomach. 

E. — Diseases of the extremities or legs. 

F. — Diseases of the foot. 

G.— -Diseases of the skin. 

H. — Miscellaneous : 
and conclude this chapter with a few general remarks on the sound- 
ness of the horse. This arrangement, with a very slight variation, is 
the one adopted by H. L. Barnum, who has written the most sys- 
tematic Farrier that we have seen, and to whom we are greatly in- 
debted for much useful matter. 

In our remarks on diseases and their general treatment, we have 
followed the celebrated G. S. Winters, one of the best practical wri- 
ters on Farriery in the German language, from whose invaluable work 
we have selected and translated much that is useful. 

Sect. 127, 

A.— The diseases of the head. 

a. — Big head. 

This is a disease of very frequent occurrence in the western States, 
especially in Kentucky. We submit the following, on this disease, 
from the American Farmer: — I have noticed, says the writer of the 
extract, several valuable essays in your valuable paper, the American 
Farmer, on the subject of big head in horses, and as I have never 
seen any description of this disease, or any cure recommended, I will 
endeavor to communicate what my limited experience on that subject 
has taught me. 

About twelve years ago, the disease made its appearance in this 
neighborhood, and before a remedy was found out, many losses were 
sustained, by the death of horses which were diseased. One of my 
neighbors lost horses to the value of six or seven thousand dollars, 
among them, some of the best blooded mares and colts. I lost one 
only, and the first and only one, a brood mare, which had it about 
that time. Various applications were made to cure it, such as driving 
in spirits of turpentine, by rubbing the parts affected, and holding a 
red hot iron near the place ; burning, bruising, and cutting, were also 



68 the farmer's complete farrier. 

resorted to, but in every case that I saw or heard of, the disease ter- 
minated in the death of the animal. At length, white arsenic was 
recommended, but by whom it was first discovered, I am ignorant. — 
I had occasion, about four years ago, to try it on a fine Archy mare, 
then in foal by Archy; she was affected on both sides of the face, 
and I succeeded in curing her: she produced a horse colt, whilst she 
was under the operation of the arsenic. At about two years old the 
colt was affected on one side of the face. I had recourse to the arsenic, 
and completely eradicated the disorder, leaving only a slight scar, 
though the mucus membrane of the nostril was so much injured as to 
cause a difficulty of breathing through it. The mare was still more 
affected, as both nostrils were nearly closed, and her head continued 
to be much larger than before she was taken with the disease, though 
generally in good order, and occasionally worked. She has, how- 
ever, produced three fine colts since, none of which has as yet, been 
affected with the big head. I designed to have trained her first colt, 
but in consequence of the affection of his nostril, I declined the idea. 
He is now four years old, enjoying fine health, and possessing great 
vigor as a stallion. I am thus particular in detailing the character of 
the animals who have been cured, that it may be seen how little 
horses are affected by the disease after it has been cured. I have 
known the arsenic exhibited in at least twenty cases, in all of which 
it effected a cure, and I think I can say, that it is an infallible remedy. 
I will now endeavor to describe the disease, and the recipe. 

Symptoms. — Loss of appetite, a drooping of the head, and a dis- 
inclination to move about — a slight weeping from the eye on the side 
affected — in a short time a local swelling appears on the side of the 
face in a direct line between the eye and nostril, which, on being 
pressed hard with the finger, causes the animal to wince, and by 
rubbing it gently with the hand, appears to give ease to him — an en- 
largement of the jaw-bone, and a considerable decline in flesh. I 
have not discovered that the disease is attended with fever; if it is 
suffered to run long, it causes an affection of the joints — they become 
puffed, as if inflated with wind, and in a short time those swellings 
become filled with pus, and ultimately break, and a discharge of 
purulent matter issues from the joints, and the animal falls, to rise no 
more without help. It is supposed to be infectious only in this last 
state of the disease. 

Cure. — As soon as the swelling on the side of the face appears, 
take a piece of white arsenic about the size of a common field pea, 
(or about six or eight grains pulverized and wrapped in fine paper, of 
a size only sufficient to contain it,) make an incision in the skin, 
immediately over the hard tumor, insert the arsenic, (or the paper 
containing it,) and with a needle and thread make one suture or stitch, 
tie the ends of the thread in a hard knot, bleed the horse, and turn 
him out alone in a good pasture, or if it is cold weather, put him in 
a stable, removed from other horses, and feed him on light food — in 
a few days the effects of the arsenic will be discoverable by a con- 
siderable swelling of the head, nose, and face, which will increase 
until the power of the arsenic is exhausted — if both sides of the face 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 69 

are operated on at the same time, the head will swell to an enormous 
size — in about a month, or six weeks, the arsenic will have developed 
its efficacy, by the appearance of a circular piece of skin, and the 
porous bone of the face which extends as far as the seat of the dis- 
ease, or the influence of the arsenic on the affected part; this circular 
development extends as far as the affected part only, and is quite 
callous and nearly detached from the sound skin, leaving the whole- 
some flesh in its natural state. In a month or six weeks longer, this 
circular part becomes entirely detached on its periphery from the 
sound skin, and adheres to the side of the face by a few slight integu- 
ments about its centre, which soon decays, (or it may be cut off,) and 
the diseased parts drop out in a mass, leaving a hideous wound; then 
may be seen the porous bone of the face, resembling honeycomb, 
which soon becomes covered with sound flesh and skin: the wound 
may be soon healed by using common applications, though I have 
made use of what we farmers in the country call pot liquor, as a 
wash, and anointing the place with an ointment made by bruising the 
leaves of the common poke-weed, (phytolacca decandra,) and ex- 
tracting the juice by pressure, and stewing it in hog's lard, or of the 
Jamestown weed, or thorn apple, (datura stramonium,) prepared in 
the same Avay. These applications may be made use of with advan- 
tage as soon as it is discovered that the parts begin to separate. If 
the weather be warm, it may be necessary to anoint the parts with a 
mixture of common tar and hog's lard, or the juice of elder stewed 
in hog's lard, in order to keep away the blow fly, which will be 
attracted to the parts by the offensiveness of the scent emitted. It 
cannot be expected that a horse which has thus been operated upon, 
will regain the beauty of his head, particularly if he be an old horse, 
or has been affected on both sides of the face, or the disease has been 
suffered to run too long before applying the remedy : this is evidenced 
by the appearance of my mare. 1 suffered the disease to run too 
long, because I was fearful that the arsenic might injure the foal, but 
was induced to risk it rather than lose the mare : the stallion, on the 
contrary, exhibits the effects of it in but a slight degree. It may be 
proper to remark, that a less quantity of arsenic will answer for a 
colt than for an old horse ; and that it ought to be inserted as high up 
on the face as the seat of the disease will admit of; perhaps on the 
upper edge of the swelled part will answer the same end. 

Another remedy has been communicated to me, which is much 
more simple; and if it be a remedy, certainly possesses great advan- 
tages over the one on which I have been treating. I have never 
known it tried, but I am induced to believe that it is a remedy, both 
from its analogy to the arsenic, and from the authority from which I 
derived my information. It is this : Instead of the arsenic, take half 
a pint of strong ashes, (hickory, I suppose,) put them into a tin cup, 
(of about a pint measure,) smaller at the mouth than at the bottom. 
say about one and a-half inches at the mouth in diameter; fill the cup 
or pot with water, and let it boil for half an hour, or until the water 
has been evaporated, or absorbed by the ashes, cord the horse's nose 
in the usual way, or otherwise confine him, in order that he may be 



70 the farmer's complete farrier. 

still, and apply the mouth of the cup to the part affected, \vi '-\\ the 
ashes quite hot and nearly dry, having previously covered it with a 
thin cloth, to prevent the ashes from coming in contact with the skin 
of the horse, and hold it in that position until the heat has subsided* 
when it may be removed : in a day or two the parts will exhibit a 
gluey exudation, which will disappear in the course of a week, leav- 
ing an inconsiderable sore, like a burn, which may be cured by treating 
it as such. It may be necessary, in some cases, to make a second 
application. The horse may be used as usual at the time, and when 
the wound heals up, scarcely any scar will remain. 

Or take blood from the neck vein and bathe the swelled parts with 
spirits of turpentine once or twice a week, rubbing it with a hard 
brush until you discover the swelling is stopped : the lumps remain, 
but as they cease to grow, the horse gets better. 

Or give stramonium, (Jamestown or Jimson weed,) in doses of one 
drachm, mixed with his feed for several days, then turning him out 
for two or three months. 

We add the following from R. B. Harrison, of Dallas county, 
Alabama, April 18, 1836. 

Take one quart of hog's lard, one quart of tar, and one pound of 
sulphur of brimstone; put all together in a pot over a slow fire, and 
boil it till the brimstone disappears ; then make a mop on a strong 
stick, and rub the horse's head from the eyes to the nostrils, once a 
day until the mixture is all gone, and it will make a cure. I have 
tried it. 

Sect. 128, 
b. — ffemicrania — Halbseitiges Kopfweh. — Ger. 

Hemicrania. — A species of headache ; a pain generally affecting 
one side of the head, towards the eye or temple, either on the right 
or left side of the head. 

Causes. — This disease may be caused by too violent exercise in a 
hot day, and the horse being fat and full of blood, more than a usual 
quantity of blood will be sent to the brain. It may also arise from 
the collar being too small, or the curb-rein too tight, which prevent the 
blood returning from the head ; and thus the larger vessels of the 
brain will be too long and injuriously distended, and produce hemi- 
crania, and if the affection is violent, it produces megrim or vertigo. 

Symptoms. — Insimple hemicrania, the horse will occasionally stop 
and shake his head, staggering some ; in a few minutes he will pass 
on, but he will droop the ears, and the eyes are considerably inflamed. 
But if the attack is more violent, the horse will fall without the slight- 
est warning, or suddenly run round once or twice and then fall. He 
will either lie in a state of complete insensibility, or struggle with the 
utmost violence. He will sometimes recover in from five to fifteen 
minutes, and rise and proceed on his journey. 

This is, however, often a fatal disease — the horse will occasionally 
die on the spot. 

Treatment. — At the moment of the attack, the horse should be 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 71 

bled at the neck ; three or four quarts of blood should be taken. Or 
he should be bled profusely in the mouth by cutting the bars of the 
palate.* And as soon as possible he should be physicked, his food 
should be moist and cooling and he will soon recover ; if it be in the 
winter, he should be kept warm. 

No. 1. — Physic or purgative A 

Take of the best Barbadoes aloes, five drams ; prepared natron, 
two drams ; aromatic powder, one dram ; oil of caraways, ten drops ; 
syrup enough to form a ball for one dose. 

Another. 

Take Barbadoes aloes, one ounce ; prepared natron, two drams ; 
aromatic powder, one dram ; oil of aniseed, ten drops ; syrup enough 
to form a ball for one dose. 

No, 2. — Another, a liquid purge. 

Take agaric and aloes of each, one-half ounce ; extract of acacia 
bark and gentian, one ounce ; oil of turpentine, one dram ; honey, 
one pound ; elecampane and bittersweet, each, one dram : two 
quarts of water, the whole mixed and given at once. 

No 3.— Another liquid purge. 

Take epsom salts, dissolved, eight ounces ; castor oil, or linseed, 
four ounces ; watery tincture of aloes, eight ounces ; mix the whole. 

The watery tincture of aloes is made by beating powdered aloes 
with the yelk of an egg, adding water by degrees ; by these means 
half an ounce of aloes may be suspended in eight ounces of water, 
and such a purge is useful when a ball cannot be got down, as in par- 
tial locked jaw. 

No. 4. — Another — A very good common physic. 

A strong decoction of the herb, called the mother-wort, which is 
very common : let the decoction be mixed with Indian or corn meal, 
or given through a bottle if the horse refuse the meal when mixed 
with the decoction. 

Any of the above physics or purges may be given in this disease. 

Sect. 129. 
c. — Apoplexy — Schlagfluss. — Ger. 

Apoplexy is a sudden deprivation of all sense and voluntary mo- 
tion, the subject lying in a dormant state; when the attack is even 
severe, the action of the heart, as well as respiration, still go on. 

G. S. Winters, divides this disease into two different kinds, viz : 

* Directions for bleeding will be given in Chap. XIII., under the head of Veter- 
inary operations, which see. 

\ Directions for physicing or purging, See Chap. XIII. 



72 the farmer's complete farrier. 

The milder form, and the more violent, called peracutus, but says 
very little of its symptoms or of the remedies. He considers it a 
fatal disease. The violent form generally proves fatal. 

Cause. — Severe colds, over exertion, when there is general pletho- 
ra, contribute to this disease. 

Symptoms. — In the violent form the horse usually falls at once, 
though he may sometimes be attacked by this form and manifest the 
following symptoms. He will hold his head low — lean against the 
manger or some object. If moved, he appears as if he would fall. 
Both his sight and hearing are affected. He sometimes continues for 
hours in this state. He then falls — grinds his teeth — his eyes are 
open, protruded, and fixed — the pupil is dilated — there are twitch- 
ings about the frame — the muzzle is cold — the vein of the neck is 
evidently swelled — he is unable to swallow — strong convulsions fol- 
low, and death closes the scene. 

Treatment. — If there be time to do any thing at all — bleed copi- 
ously — take from eight to ten quarts of blood from the jugular vein. 
Next, back-rake, or remove the dung from the lower intestines with 
the hand, and give a strong dose of physic, but the case is usually 
hopeless. 

Sect. 130. 
d. — Staggers — Schwindel.—Ger. 

Staggers is a disease of both horses and cattle, attended with 
giddiness, reeling to and fro, thrusting the head against the wall, and 
refusing to eat. 

There are several varieties of staggers — the sleepy or stomach- 
staggers,* and the madstaggers. They are mainly, only two differ- 
ent stages of the same disease, or varying in the causes that produce 
them. 

Causes. — -These are various. The immediate causes are either an 
original accumulation of blood within the brain, or the translation of the 
inflammation of some organ to the brain. The remote causes are some- 
times full or over-feeding, without sufficient exercise. Sudden cold, 
violence, &c, may bring it on. 

Symptoms. — If the horse is turned towards the sun he cannot well 
face the sun ; begins to stagger, look around vacantly. Walks to 
one side of the road, and moves totteringly till he falls, and some- 
times drops down dead : or the sleepiness passes off, and delirium 
comes on again, falls, rises, drops, beats himself about, and dies in 
convulsions. 

Treatment. — Blood should be let in large quantities, by opening 
the jugulars, and letting the horse bleed from ten to twelve quarts ; 
with one or more repeatings till the delirium abates or ceases. Ad- 
minister a strong physic. But before you give a physic, back-rake 
or remove the dung from the intestine, and administer a laxative 
clyster. 

*This disease, we believe, arises from a paralytic affection of the stomach. — Com, 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 73 

No. 5.— Clyster, 

Take thin gruel or broth, five quarts ; epsom or common salt, six 
ounces; and inject without delay. Keep the horse from all food. 
The general treatment should be the same as in febrile infections. 

The following has been repeatedly tried, and proved effectual : 

Take of the expressed juice of garlic, six spoonfuls, which pour 
down the horse's throat by means of a horn, or give it to him in 
a drench. If the first dose should not relieve him, or he should 
appear to be maze-headed, (confused,) repeat it after an intermedium 
of two or three hours. The juice of the leek or onion, given in 
rather larger quantities, produce nearly the same effect. 

Mr. White recommends the following: 
No. 6.— Clyster. 

Take hot water, one gallon; common salt, one-half pound; olive 
oil, four ounces. 

As a purgative he recommends : 

No. 7. — -Physic. 

Take Barbadoes aloes, powdered, one ounce ; calomel, one-half 
ounce ; cascarilla, finely powdered, three drams ; syrup enough to 
form a ball. 

Sect. 131. 
e. — Madstaggers or phrenitis — Hirn-Wuth. — Ger. 

Madstaggers are not at first easily distinguished from the stomach 
or sleepy-staggers, But by observing the symptoms of each closely, 
this disease may be distinguished from the former. 

Cause. — Over exertion, when the horse is full of blood, or espe- 
cially during hot weather, is a frequent cause of inflammation of the 
brain ; but whatever will produce general fever, may be the cause of 
madstaggers. 

Symptoms. — The horse suddenly starts, and begins to heave at 
the flanks — his nostrils expand-— his eyes unclose — he has a wild, 
horrid, vacant stare, and delirium comes on much more rapidly than 
in the sleepy-staggers. He dashes himself furiously about — he be- 
comes frantic. He will rave till it is succeeded by stupor, or till he 
has exhausted himself by struggles. 

Treatment. — He should be bled till he faints, at both of the neck 
veins. An active physic should be administered. The Croton nut 
pulverized, and given in drink, in the dose of a half dram, has been 
highly recommended. A dose of ten grains should be repeated till 
the bowels are moved; at the same time injections of warm water 
and soap, until the bowels are well opened. 

"If Croton is not at hand, aloes may be given, but dissolved in 
hot water — an ounce of aloes at the first dose, afterwards a quarter 
of an ounce every four hours, until purging is produced. This being 
6 



74 the farmer's complete farrier. 

effected, those medicines should be given which have a strong ten- 
dency to lessen the force of circulation, and consequently, the deter- 
mination of blood to the head. 

"The most powerful of these are foxglove and tartar emetic, in 
doses of a dram each, three or four times in the day." Blistering of 
the head should also be attended to. 

G. S. Winters recommends the use of the following physic after 
the horse has been profusely bled : 

No. 8.~Physic. 

Take twenty pepper grains ; two eggs ; honey, one ounce ; decoc- 
tion of elder blossoms, one quart ; mix it well, and give it at once. 

A very common and efficient physic. — Take human excrements, 
and one pint of wine or vinegar, well shaken, and administered as a 
drench, has proved beneficial. 

Sect. 132. 

f. — Tetanus, or Locked-jaw — Maulsperre — Starrkrampf. — Ger. 

Tetanus.-— There are several varieties of tetanus. But the variety 
under consideration is Trismus, or the locked-jaw; it is so called 
because the muscles of the jaw are first and most powerfully affected. 
Tetanus is a constant spasm of all the voluntary muscles, and par- 
ticularly of the neck, the spine, and the head. It is very slow and 
treacherous in its attack. 

Causes. — Locked-jaw generally arises from a wound, and oftenest 
a wound of a tendonous or legamentous part ; but not depending on 
the extent of the wound, or the degree of inflammation. The time 
of attack is uncertain. It will sometimes not appear or affect the 
subject until the wound is nearly, or quite healed. It sometimes 
arises from excessive fatigue ; from worms ; pricks in shoeing, nick- 
ing, docking, cropping, and from severe and long exposure to cold ; 
water dropping upon the back through openings in the roof of a shed 
or stable. 

It is slow sometimes in its attack. The horse seems to complain 
for a day or two; he does not feed as usual ; partly chews his food, 
and drops it; and gulps his water; the jaws become gradually stiff; 
and some saliva is drizzling from his mouth. These are all pre- 
monitory signs. 

Symptoms. — The jaws are usually fixed, and the neck is very 
stiff; a difficulty in bringing the head round; and all the muscles 
resist to yield, being very prominent and hard ; the muscles become 
very cramped, or may be considered as in a high state of action, 
giving the horse a peculiar look of energy, as though immediately 
stopped from full speed, with his nostrils extended, his head raised, 
and his nose carried forward; his legs straddle wide, and his tail 
cocked and quivers, as after violent exercise. The jaws will be found, 
if not closed, yet nearly so, when he is called jaw-set. 

Treatment. — This is not often successful, but it succeeds in some 
cases : hence, deserves some considerable attention. The treatment 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER, 75 

and remedies are various — some of them diametrically opposite. The 
rational method would seem to be, first, to remove the local cause; 
but this will seldom avail much. The irritation has become general ; 
and the spasmodic action constitutional. It is well, however, to ascer- 
tain the local cause, and remove that if possible. 

Blaine says copious bleedings have succeeded, In this disease it 
is well enough; nay, it is necessary to tranquilize the system by 
bleeding, which is generally the most powerful agent. There is no 
more powerful means of allaying general irritation. Temporary re- 
laxation of the spasm will at least follow, and that will give an oppor- 
tunity to move, or open the bowels. The speediest and most active, 
and that which can be reduced to the smallest compass, is the Croton, 

The first dose should be a-half dram, and the medicine repeated 
every six hours, in doses of ten grains, until it operates. The ope- 
ration of physic should be aided by repeated injections, each con- 
taining a dram of aloes dissolved in warm water. The following 
clyster has been found very useful in this disease : 

No. 9. — Clyster. 

Take fresh, warm milk, one quart; yolk of eight eggs; spirits of 
ammonia, one ounce; common salt, one ounce; spirits of turpentine, 
two ounces; linseed oil, one ounce; mixed, warmed, and injected. 

"Then, as it is a disease of the nerves, proceeding from the spinal 
marrow, the whole of the spine should be blistered, three or four 
inches wide. As a general blister, and a good one in this disease, 
the following has been used with good effect: 

No. 10.— Blister. 

Take Spanish flies, powdered, two ounces ; Venice turpentine, two 
ounces ; resin, two ounces ; palm oil or lard, two pounds ; melt the 
three latter articles together, and when not too hot, stir in the can- 
tharides or Spanish flies. 

The horse should be placed in a warm stable, yet with pure air, 
and should be clothed with three or four thick blankets or rugs to 
keep up a temperature of blood heat, if possible. 

Having bled largely, and physicked and blistered, seek for other 
means to lull the irritation, and we have none at hand, small in bulk, 
potent in energy, that excels opium. Give at once a quarter of an 
ounce, reduced to powder, and made into a drink with gruel, or in a 
small ball, (in its crude state it would be too long in dissolving in the 
stomach,) and give an additional dram every six hours. If the jaw 
should be quite fixed, administer it in injections. The bowels must be 
attended to during the exhibition of the opium, and aloes given in 
small doses, to keep them in a lax state. Camphor and asafetida may 
be given by those who please ; we are not aware that they will do 
injury, but opium is the sheet anchor of the veterinary practitioner. 

Great caution and patience are requisite in administering the drinks, 
for the elevating of the head seems to be extremely painful to the 
horse. A ball may be divided into small pieces, and with a piece of 



76 the farmer's complete farrier* 

cane or whalebone conveyed to the back part of the mouth, where it 
will be dissolved and must be swallowed. 

As soon as possible, the strength should be supported by nutritive 
food. The appetite seldom fails in this disease ; and it is painful to 
see the repeated eager efforts of the poor animal to allay his hunger. 
When his jaws are most firmly fixed, he will sometimes be able to 
suck in the liquid from a moist mash — if he has the slightest com- 
mand over them, he will contrive to swallow the greater part of the 
mash ; and should there be room to introduce the mouth of a small 
horn, he will thankfully take as much gruel as his attendant will give 
him. Until the jaws are firmly locked, he may be suffered to have 
hay, although he should only chew it and drop it from the mouth ; 
for this action of the muscles of the jaws may delay or prevent their 
total closure. Little medicine will be wanted as he gets better ; nour- 
ishing food, not too liberally administered, will constitute the best 
tonic ; and should the weather be sufficiently warm, few things will 
do him more good than to turn him out for two or three hours in the 
middle of the day. It will extend the muscles of his neck, and bring 
him to the use of his limbs. 

Against one mode of treatment we enter our protest, from its cruel- 
ty and its inutility — the application of cold. Some turn the animal 
out uncovered in a frosty night. We have no faith in the practice of 
this ; but placing the poor horse under a pump, and letting the water 
flow upon his spasmed limbs for hours together, or dashing it violent- 
ly upon him, while he crouches and groans all the while, is both 
cruel and useless." 

Sect. 133. 

g. — Epilepsy orfits—Hinfallende Sucht. — Ger. 

Epilepsy is so called because it seizes upon the subject with sud- 
denness ; and from him falling suddenly it is called falling sickness. 
Fortunately the horse is not often afflicted by this disease. 

Cause. — This disease, like its kindred one, the staggers, is gene- 
rally the consequence of too full a habit ; or by worms and bots in 
the stomach. — See Subdivision D. — a. 

Symptoms. — The horse stops — trembles — looks vacantly around 
■ — falls, and then contorts and constricts his body most violently, — 
Especially the head and fore part of the horse are greatly effected — 
gnashes his teeth — breathes heavily, and as soon as the convulsions 
cease, he gets up, looks around stupidly ; shakes his ears, urines- 
soon begins to eat as before. 

Treatment.-— If the attack continues ten or twelve minutes, the 
gums should be cut, and be bled under the tongue, allowing the blood 
to run down the throat ; and as soon as possible administer a physic, 
No. 2 or 3, Sect. 128, may be given ; or the following : 

No. 11. — Physic. 

Take aloes, eight drams ; scammony, two drams ; cremor tartar, 
one ounce ; anise and fennel, of each, two drams ; put these ingredi- 
ents into one quart of warm water, and administer the whole at once. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 77 

Barnum says the only hope of eure consists in discovering the 
cause of the fits, and an experienced practitioner must be consulted, 
if the animal be valuable — generally speaking, however, the cause is 
so difficult to discover, and the habit of fits is so soon formed, and 
they will so frequently return, even at a great distance of time, that 
he who values his own safety, or the lives of his family, will cease 
to use an epileptic horse. 

Sect. 134. 

h. — Palsy— Gliederlsehmung, Schlag.*— Ger. 

Palsy is a disease in which the power of voluntary motion is great- 
ly impaired, if not wholly lost, effecting certain parts of the body, 
often accompanied with drowsy dullness ; in some cases the disease 
is confined to a particular part, but it usually happens that one entire 
side of the body is affected. The power of the muscles is unimpair- 
ed, but the nervous energy is deficient. In the horse it is usually 
confined to the hinder limbs. 

Cause. — When purging has been suddenly stopped, he becomes 
palsied. It is sometimes the consequence of violent inflammation of 
the bowels. It is produced by falls, blows on the loins, injury in 
casting, and turning in a narrow stall. In these latter cases the spine 
has evidently been injured. 

Treatment.— -Bleeding, physicing, antimonial medicines, and stim- 
ulating embrocations are the most likely means of a cure. 

The following, as an external application, has proved beneficial : 

No. 12.-- Poultice. 

Take St. John's wort, celandine, speedwell, winter-green, thyme, 
camomile, of each, a handful ; decoct the whole in salt water, and 
apply it as a poultice on the part affected. This should be repeated 
three times a day. Apply it as warm as the horse will bear it. 

The following treatment and application have been highly recom- 
mended. First physic the animal well ; then scarify with a fleam or 
strong cupping instrument, the croup or crupper, the parts about the 
hips and rump, which is usually the seat of disease, and apply the 
composition recommended below, as warm as the horse will suffer it. 

No. 13. — Plaster. 

Take deer or sheep tallow, mastic, frankincense, of each one pound, 
and one ounce of myrrh ; mix and heat it over a slow fire, or live 
coals. 

The following embrocation has been of service, by moistening 
and rubbing the diseased part with cloth, or a spunge dipped into it: 

No. 14. — Embrocation. 

Take bay salt, bruised, one-half pound ; crude sal ammoniac, two 
ounces ; sugar of lead, a quarter of an ounce; vinegar, one pint and a 
half; water, one pint; mixed. 

See Appendix — Article, Embrocations. 



Sect. 135. 
I. — Diseases of the ear.—Ohrenkrankheiten.—Ger. 

The horse, as well as man, is subject to the disease of the ear, such 
as excruciating pain in the internal ear, partial deafness from cold y 
and symptomatic pains arising from ulcers or imposthumes, &c. 

In treating of this subject, we shall first speak of deafness ; then of 
the pains of the ear, caused by imposthumes. 

Cause.— Partial or entire deafness arises from violent colds, and 
slight inflammation of the eustachian tube, an opening at the upper 
and anterior edge of the hollow of the tympanum, forming a duct 
which is in part bony, and in part cartilaginous, extending from the 
tympanum to a large peculiar cavity at the posterior part of the nasal 
fossa. When this tube is inflamed, the vibratory functions are im- 
paired. Sometimes, though the ear is well guarded, foreign substan- 
ces get or fall into it, and create pain or disease. 

Symptoms. — The horse, when a noise is made near him, will hold 
his head to one side, prick up his ears, start and take fright very 
easily, if he has been ever so tame or docile before. 

Treatment. — A horse thus afflicted should be put into a well ven- 
tilated stable ; kept free from stale dung, &c. ; should be fed on 
manger meat and bran mashes for several days before you begin the 
cure, then give him the following potion as a drench : 

No. 15*' — Drench. 

Take hiera picra,* one-half ounce ; agaric, one ounce ; bitter apple, 
one-half ounce ; lard, one pound ; olive oil, two pounds ; mixed, and 
warmed over live coals, or a slow fire. 

Afterwards drop a small portion, from six to ten drops, of the fol- 
lowing into the ear: 

No. 16. — Ear anodyne. 

Take eel oil, one-half ounce; laurel oil, spike oil, of each, two 
ounces ; and castoreum, one ounce ; mixed. This should be re- 
peated two or three times every twenty-four hours. 

No. IT. — Another ear anodyne. 

Take wormwood oil, spike oil, oil of camomile, castoreum, ox- 
gall, of each, one dram, and one-half ounce of tallow, well mixed ; 
administered as above. 

Sect. 136, 

k. — Pains of the ear arising from imposthumes— Ges chwuer en— Ger° 

The pains arising from imposthumes, &c, are equally as excrucia- 
ting as those from cold, &c. 

Cause.^— The causes are internal and external. The former, such 

* Hiera picra is prepared by mixing socotorine aloes, one pound, with three 
ounces of white canella. — Hooper. 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 79 

as febrile vicidity of the brain, internal posthumes; the latter, such 
as blows and contusions upon the head, pricking about the ear, which 
cause external and internal posthumes. 

Symptoms. — If the disease arises from internal cause, the horse 
will hang his head down, dropping the pained ear, or bending it 
backwards, according to the seat of the pain in the ear ; makes re- 
peated attempts to scratch or rub it with the feet, if he cannot rub it 
against something. The ears are sometimes swollen, and feel feverish ; 
discharging vicid pus, which is quite offensive to the smell. 

Treatment* — Bleeding at the head ; injections given ; then well 
physicked. 

No. 18. — Physic. 

Take hiera picra, bennet, (benedictus,) agaric, of each, one-half 
ounce ; turbinth and scammony, of each, one-fourth ounce ; gum gam- 
boge, one dram ; mix the whole in one quart of warm water, infused 
with the bark of the elder tree, and give it at one draught. 

The following clyster should then be injected as warm as the 
animal can bear it: 

No. 19,— Clyster. 

Take the extract of acacia bark, one ounce ; hiera picra, one-half 
ounce; the yolk of two eggs; olive oil, four ounces ; common salt, 
one-half ounce. 

If the ear is considerably swelled, or there should be a posthume 
internally or externally, the following cataplasm should be applied to 
the swelling or posthume: 

Take bran, bruised flax-seed, of each three ounces, and of the 
seeds of goats' thorn, two ounces, to be triturated, well ground, and 
mixed with lard, and applied ; it will act as a discutient, and dis- 
perse the tumor. But should suppuration take .place, the ear must 
be kept as free as possible from pus. 

Of the following composition, from ten to twelve drops may be 
poured or squirted into the ear with a syringe: 

Juice of rue, one ounce ; juice of olive leaves, one-half ounce ; 
of the rind of pomegranate, two drams, and two ounces of vinegar; 
mixed, and squirted into the ear. 

It sometimes happens that a certain fly will deposite nits, and the 
purulent matter, as a congenial nidus, soon generates hundreds of 
worms in the sore of the ear. In such a case, fill the ear with cen- 
taury, well bruised, suffer it to remain for one day, then squirt the 
following into the ear, wound, or tumor. This will kill the worms, 
which must then be removed with a hooked instrument. 

The juice of bitter apple, or wild cucumber, and juice of peach 
leaves, of each, one ounce, and one-half ounce of olive oil; mixed. 



80 THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER* 

Sect. 137. 
I.— The eye. 

The eye is one of the nicest pieces of mechanism that the human 
understanding can contemplate. It is one of those organs upon 
whose sound condition much of the value of the horse depends. 
We regret it, that both the limits of the 4book, and the want of time, 
preclude us to devote either space or time to present the reader a full 
description of the anatomy and physiology of the eye. 

"We present below an extract from Mason's Farrier, as prefatory to 
die description of the various diseases of this important organ. 

The eye is the organ of sight, whereby the ideas of all outward 
objects are represented to the common sensory ; its form is a convex 
globular, covered by its proper lids, and enclosed within an orbit or 
socket: the eyelids preserve the eye from dust or external injury, 
and an expansion of the muscles and skin, the inner membrane 
being of an exquisite contexture, that it may in no manner hurt or 
impair the surface of the eye : their edges have a cartilaginous or 
gristly rim, by which they are so fitted as to meet close together at 
pressure: the orbit or cavity in which the eye is situated, is lined 
with a very pliable, loose fat, which is not only easy to the eye in its 
various motions, but serves to keep it sufficiently moist, as the lach- 
rymal glands, seated in the outer corner of the eye, serve to moisten 
its surface, or wash ofT any dust or dirt that may happen to get into 
it: at the inner corner of the eye, next the nose, is a carbuncle, 
which, some are of opinion, is placed to keep that corner of the eye 
from being entirely closed, that any tears or gummy matter may be 
discharged even in time of sleep, or into the punctna lachrymala, 
which are little holes for the purpose of carrying off any superfluous 
moisture or tears into the nose: the eye has four coats or membranes, 
and three humors; the first membrane is called tunica adnata, and 
covers all that part of the eye that in a man appears white, but in a 
horse is variegated with streaks and spots of brown, and being re- 
flected back, lines the inside of the eyelids, and by that inversion 
becomes the means to prevent motes, dust, small flies, or any extra- 
neous matter getting behind the eye-ball into the orbit, which would 
be extremely dangerous: this coat is full of blood vessels, which 
appear in little red streaks on the human eye when inflamed ; and 
when there is but little white in the eyes of horses, they appear 
fiery, and the eyelids, when open and turned back, look red : the 
second coat has its forepart very strong and transparent, like horn, 
and is therefore called the cornea; and the other part, which is 
opaque and dark, is called the schlerotis ; under the cornea lies the 
iris, which in a horse inclines to cinnamon color: the middle of this 
membrane, or coat, is perforated for the admission of the rays of light, 
and is called the pupil: under the iris lies the processes ciliares, 
which go off in little rays, and in a sound eye are plainly to be seen. 
As often as these processes contract, they dilate the pupil, which 
may always be observed in places where the light is small; but in a 
strong light, the circular fibres of the iris act as a sphincter muscle, 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 81 

and lessen the size of the pupil ; and therefore a dilated and wide 
pupil, in a strong light, is generally an evidence of a bad eye. Under 
the schlerotis lies the choroides, which is the third coat of the eye : 
in men, it is of a dusky brown, but in horses, the greater part of this 
coat is white, which enables them to see bodies of all colors better 
than men in the night, as white reflects all colors. 

But horses and other animals that feed on grass, have some parts 
of this membrane of a light green, which enables them to see with 
little light, and makes grass an object that they can discern with great- 
est strength, and therefore it is sometimes called tunica uvea, from 
its resembling a grape. The innermost or fourth coat is called the 
membrana retina, which is only an expansion of the optic nerve upon 
the choroides, and encompasseth the glossy humor like a net. By 
the continuation of the rays of light upon the fine filaments of this 
membrane, all the external images are conveyed by the optic nerves 
to the brain. Within the coats of the eye are seated the three hu- 
mours that chiefly compose the eyeball ; the first is the aqueous or 
watery humor, which lies foremost and seems chiefly as a proper 
medium to preserve the crystaline huuiors from injuries in case of 
wounds, bruises, or any other external cause. Behind the aqueous 
humour lies the crystaline lens, in a very firm membrane called are- 
na, being like a spider's web — its use is to refract the rays of light 
that pass through it, so that all the rays proceeding from the same 
point of any object, being first refracted on the cornea, may be united 
on the retina — the vitreous humor lies behind the crystaline, being 
concave on its foreside to make a convenient lodgement for the crys- 
taline, and its hinder part convex agreeable to the globular form of 
the eye, upon which the tunica retina and choroides are spread ; this 
humor possesses a space larger than the other two, and being of a 
hue like a light colored green glass, is a proper medium, not only to 
keep the crystaline humor and the retina at a proper distance from 
each other, but by its color, to prevent the rays of light falling too for- 
cibly upon the latter, which might weaken or impair the sight. — 
See Appendix — Article, Eye. 

Sect. 138. 
m. — Diseases of the eye — Augenmsengal. — Ger. 

The diseases of the eye are not numerous, but frequent in their 
appearance, sadly obstinate ; baffling all skill, and often very destruc- 
tive. The eye of the horse is more disposed to disease than that of 
any other domesticated animal. The varieties of treatment are very 
numerous ; and many, we believe, are undoubtedly at variance with 
common sense — they certainly are opposed to each other ! We shall 
not attempt to reconcile these differences in the treatment of diseas- 
ed eyes. 

On this topic, we shall submit an extract of J. C. Loudon's Far- 
rier; then add some selections from several popular German authors, 
leaving the reader to judge, choose and decide for himself. 

The principal diseases of the eye are opthalmia and gutta serena — 
Mondaugen and Staar — Ger. 



82 the farmer's complete farrier. 

The opthalmia, lunatic, or moon-blindness, is a very peculiar 
disease among horses, affecting their eyes generally about their full 
growth, but sometimes later, and sometimes earlier. It is but little 
known among mules and asses, and unknown in oxen and sheep. It 
does not, however, appear to be a disease natural to the horse, as wild, 
or even horses subjected to artificial restraints are not observed sub- 
ject to it. But among others, it is become so common as to have the 
tendency handed down in the breed ; the progeny of some stallions 
being more prone to it than others. It is often very sudden in its at- 
tack, the eyelids being found swelled and almost closed to avoid the 
light ; they are also very red within, and the haw is half drawn over 
the surface ; the tears flow down the face perpetually, and the whole 
head is hot; now and then these appearances come on gradually. 
The suddenness of the attack makes the complaint to be attributed to 
accident, as blows, hay seeds within the eye, &c, and it is frequent- 
ly difficult to get the owner of such a horse to believe that a constitu- 
tional attack, as it usually is, can come on so suddenly. Sometimes 
as it comes on, so it goes off quickly, the eye from being opaque and 
milky, in twenty-four hours becoming clear and almost well. When 
such an attack has taken place, even if nothing be done, the horse 
sooner or later amends, and the eye or eyes, for it is sometimes one 
and sometimes both that are so attacked, become again clear and well, 
and remain so an indefinite period, from five or six weeks to as many 
months. Another attack, however, sooner or later follows, to which 
others succeed, each leaving increased milkiness on the outer coats, 
and some dimness within the pupil, either speck-like or diffused; and 
finally the horse becomes blind from cataract. When one eye goes 
blind totally before the other, it is often a means of preventing the 
future attack on the remaining one ; which has given rise to a cus- 
tom of putting out one eye to serve the other, and which has succeed- 
ed. As this is a constitutional disease, brought on by artificial hab- 
its, as over action, close unhealthy confinement, and heating food ; 
it is clear the abstraction of all these are necessary to remove the 
complaint, and to prevent a recurrence ; but particularly the close, 
dark, and imventilated state of the stable should be attended to, as 
well as the removal of the litter, which retains the volatile alkali of 
the urine, and irritates the eyes most injuriously. The food should 
be mild and cooling, and the exercise moderate but long continued. 
Under the height of the attack, however, rest is advisable, with mod- 
erate light, which may be still further moderated by keeping over the 
eye or eyes a thick cloth, wet with Goulard water. 

The Goulard water is a very useful embrocation in inflammations, 
and is made of the following ingredients, viz : 

No. 20. — Embrocations. 

Goulard's * extract, half an ounce ; spirit of wine or brandy, one 
ounce ; soft water, one quart — or mindererus spirit,t four ounces ; 
water, twelve ounces. 

* Goulard's extract is a saturated solution of the acetate of lead. 

■f A solution of the acetate of ammonia ; formerly called Aqua amonise acetatse. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 83 

Sometimes one quart of vinegar to three quarts of water has been 
found a useful application, and which ever is used, the eyes and eye- 
brows should be kept continually wet with it, which by exciting 
evaporation will keep the part cool. A seton may be introduced un- 
der the eye or jaw. In some cases, blistering the forehead or cheek 
is found useful; but in every instance bleeding is proper, which 
should be repeated until the disease lessens. When the horse is very 
full and gross, physic and alteratives assist the cure. When blister- 
ing is used in any part of the eye, the greatest care is requisite to 
prevent the blistering matter from being rubbed into it. 

Sect. 139. 

Gutta serena or glass eyes, so called from the peculiar glassy ap- 
pearance of the eye, arises from a paralysis of the optic nerve. As 
the eye is not materially altered in appearance, a horse often becomes 
blind without its being noticed, until his cautious stepping, quick 
motion of his ears, &c, give notice of the case. On examination it 
will be found that the pupil remains dilated, however great the light, 
and the eye is irrecoverably lost. In the very early stages, blisters 
to the forehead and stimulants to the eyes, (as white vitriol, a dram ; 
water, four ounces,) may be tried, but with faint hopes of success. 

Sect. 140. 

Extract from George Simon Winters' Wohlerfahrner Pferde-Arzt. — Cap. 18. — 

Von den Augen. 

Winters says, the causes of diseased eyes, are internal and exter- 
nal; the internal are rheumy and humid complexions, (Complexio- 
nen ;) plethora, bilious acridness of the blood. 

The external causes may be smoke, dust, air, intense or great heat, 
strong penetrating wind, cold, and giving powerful stimuli. 

If the seat of pain is in one eye, the other will soon suffer with the 
other. The frequent return of pains, will cause specks or spots ; 
and often blindness. 

There are three kinds of cataracts of the eye, viz : the white, the 
grey, and the black ; the last is incurable. 

If the cataract is only slightly opaque and not altogether of a milk 
color, or white, it may be cured by paying strict attention to the treat- 
ment and remedies prescribed below. 

Treatment.-— -The first thing to be attended to, is to clyster the 
animal. 

No. 21.— The Clyster. 

Take linseed oil, one-half pound ; honey, two ounces ; bitter apple 
and agaric, of each, one -half ounce; aleppo scammony, one dram; 
extract of acacia bark, two ounces ; common salt, a handful ; and 
as much water as is necessary — decoct it well — then take the filtered 
liquor, two quarts, and inject it warm. 

Feed the horse for ten days upon wheat bran, mixed with seeds of 
goat's thorn, agaric and honey ; or, you may administer, for several 
days in succession, the following drench: 



84 the farmer's complete farrier. 

No. 22.—^ drench. 

Spicewood, gentian, birthwort, agaric and elecampane, of each, one- 
half ounce: mixed, triturated — and add thereto two ounces infusion 
of violets; and betony, one quart; and give it at once. Or give the 
following: 

No. 23. — Another drench. 

Jalap, one-half ounce; scammony, four drams; gum gamboge, 
fennel and anise, of each, one dram ; and one quart of wine warmed; 
mixed and administered at once. 

After the horse is clystered and physicked, make boluses of the 
size of a hen's egg, and give the horse two of them every other day ; 
three hours after administering them, lead or ride him about. 

No. 24.— Boluses. 

Turpentine and honey, of each, two ounces ; infusion of fennel, 
four ounces; and one pound of barley meal; mixed and formed into 
boluses. 

Before you administer the boluses, put asafetida and tar in a small 
bag, and fasten it upon the bit of the bridle, so that the horse may 
champ on it while taking exercise. 

No. 25. — Eye salve. 

Pellitory, celandine, red poppy, of each, four drams; and two 
ounces of honey. 

The following ointment or salve, should be applied to the diseased 
eyes: Take honey, olive oil, fennel juice, of each, one-half ounce — 
simmer it over a slow fire until it is reduced or diminished one-third, 
then apply it. 

The following powder may be substituted : 

No. 26. — Powder for sore eyes. 

Calcined oyster shells, one ounce; white vitriol, two drams; and 
one dram of ginger, well triturated ; blow daily a small portion into 
the affected eye. Mix burdock root with his feed. 

Nachrichter recommends the following as a celebrated eye water: 

No. 27. — Eye water. 

Infusion of celandine, fennel, eyebright, of each, one ounce; pul- 
verized ginger, one-half dram ; vitriol, sal ammoniac, of each, one-half 
dram ; and camphor, one scruple — well mixed in a vial, and apply 
it to the eye two or three times a day. 

No. 28. — Eye ivater. 
[From the Genesee Farmer.] 

Take one ounce of sulphate of iron, or copperas ; one-half ounce 
sulphate of zinc, or white vitriol ; one pint of soft water. 

Care should be taken to obtain the ingredients pure, and to filter 
the solution through filtering paper, or several thicknesses of cloth, 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 85 

in order to purify and free it from the feruginous coloring matter of 
the copperas. 

The following lotion from White's Farrier, may be applied when 
the eye is highly inflamed : 

No. 29.- — Eye water. 

Take tincture of opium, two drams; water of acetated litharge, 
one dram; pure water, eight ounces; mixed. Or the following: 

No. 30. — Eye water. 

Take extract of hyosciamns or henbane, one dram ; pure water, 
eight ounces ; rub them together in a mortar, pouring on the water 
gradually ; and, when perfectly mixed, add, of the water of acetated 
litharge, one dram. The following, from Loudon, is said to be good : 

No. 31. — Eye water. 

Take brandy, one ounce; infusion of green tea, four ounces; 
tincture of opium, two drams ; infusion of red roses, four ounces. 

Sect. 141. 

We shall close this subject by an extract from Mason, on what is 
appropriately called "hoaks!" hooks or haws. 

The hooks or haws in a horse, is the growing of a horny substance 
upon the inner edge of the washer or caruncle of the eye, which may 
be found in the inner corner, next to the nose. When this disease 
makes its appearance, the washer or caruncle is enlarged with great 
rapidity, and the ligament that runs along the edge of its membrane, 
becomes extremely hard, or like a cartilage; and whenever it arises 
to this state, it draws, compresses, and causes great pain to the eyes, 
produces a tightness of the skin, a stiffness of the hind-legs, and 
finally a general spasmodic affection throughout the whole system. 

As the eyes of a horse are often inflamed, and sometimes diseased, 
without their having the hooks, for the purpose of ascertaining the 
fact, take hold of the bridle, and raise the horse's head as high as you 
can with convenience reach : if he is diseased with the hooks, the 
washer or caruncle of the eye, while his head is raised up, will cover 
at least one-half the surface of the eye ball. When this is the case, 
take a common sized needle with a strong thread, place on the horse's 
nose a twitch, to prevent his moving; then take in your thumb and 
finger the washer or caruncle of the eye, and pass the needle through 
it about a quarter of an inch from the outer edge, and inside the 
horny substance : draw it gently with the needle and thread, until 
you have a fair chance of performing the operation ; then with a 
sharp knife cut the piece out, taken up with the needle, which must 
not be larger than one-fourth the size of a fourpence half-penny; 
wash the eyes for two or three mornings with salt and water, bathe 
his legs up to his belly in equal parts of warm vinegar, spirit and oil, 
or fresh butter, and give a mash of one and a-half gallons of bran or 
oats, one table spoonful flour of sulphur, one tea spoonful saltpetre, 



86 the farmer's complete farrier. 

and the cure will be performed in all probability in four or five days. 
Great care should be taken not to cut too large a piece from the 
caruncle, as it disfigures the eyes, and sometimes produces blindness. 

On cutting out Hooks or Haws. 
[From the American Farmer.] 

"Before I was acquainted with this subject, two years ago, I had 
two fine young horses sacrificed to this mistaken and ruinous opera- 
tion. Ignorant quacks do not know that the horse has a membrane* 
peculiar to the animal, which is at pleasure drawn over the eye. The 
enlargement of this, by a fever, produces the appearance, which, in 
jockey slang, is called the hooks. Reduce the fever by depletion, 
such as bleeding plentifully, purging, &c, and have the horse well 
rubbed, and the hooks will disappear ; that is, the membrane is re- 
stored to its natural size and office, which is to clear the eye from 
dust, &c, accidentally entering it. I need not mention the cutting 
out of this useful membrane unnecessary, as I have proved the use- 
lessness of this operation, by restoring a horse without it a few days 
ago. 

W. V. MURRAY. 

Sect. 142. 
n. — Diseases of the nose and mouth. 

The horse, as we remarked some pages back, is subject to many 
complicated diseases, in a domesticated state ; nearly every part of 
minutest anatomical description, appears to be the seat of some, and 
of several nearly allied diseases. 

Before we proceed to speak of the diseases of the nose, we shall 
add a remark of some importance. 

The horse can breathe only through the nose; all the air which 
goes and returns from the lungs must pass through the nostril: hence, 
as is well known to intelligent persons, that the nose, and its mem- 
branes, presenting an extensive surface, are excellent criteria, when 
sufficient attention is paid thereto, to judge of the character and 
degree of many diseases. The sympathy of this organ is greater 
than almost of any other ; and the changes produced by disease are 
more striking and more conclusive, than those of the eyelids, by 

* This membrane is commonly called the haw. The membrana nictifans is 
one of the most striking pieces of mechanism in existence ; it is a third eyelid giv- 
en to those animals that have no hands, or have not the power of reaching their 
eyes with their limbs, to remove dirt or small particles from their eyes. Men and 
monkeys, who are furnished with hands, are denied the nictating membrane ,• the 
horse and most other quadrupeds are furnished with this eye-wiper. It is an indis- 
pensable and important membrane; it can be distinctly seen when the eye is drawn 
inwards, but it is at all other times hidden within the fatly matter surrounding the 
globe of the eye. Whenever the eye becomes, from some internal or external 
cause, inflamed, this cartilaginous membrane shows itself, and is then frequently 
cut off, by quacks, under a suspicion that it is the cause of the disease of the 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 87 

which many iudge. In the healthy state of the horse, the mem- 
brane of the nose is uniform pale pink. When the system is some- 
what excited, then the color is of an increased blush of red. The 
blush becomes streaked red when inflammation begins and threatens 
to increase. In acute inflammation, the membrane is of an intense 
florid red. When it presents a pale ground, with patches of vivid 
red, it shows that the fever is half subdued, but still some existing 
fever. "The uniform color, although somewhat redder than natural, 
predicting a return to a healthy circulation ; the paleness approach- 
ing the white, marking the stage of debility, and sometimes inter- 
mingled with radiations of crimson, inducing the suspicion of lurking 
mischief; and the dark livid color, of approaching stagnation of the 
vital current: — These, with all their shades of difference, will be 
guides to his opinion and treatment, which every one, who has stu- 
died them, will highly appreciate." 

Sect, 143. 
Nasal-gleet — Nas-Eiter. — Ger. 

The gleet is a diseased state of the nasal cavity, discharging a 
slimy mucus or viscid fluid. This may be properly called nasal 
gleet; we would choose to call it "the incipient stage of glanders ;" 
for, if not controlled in this stage, it will terminate in glanders. 
There is a constant secretion of fluid to lubricate and moisten the 
membrane which lines the cavity of the nose, which, under catarrh 
or cold, is increased in quantity, and altered in appearance and con- 
sistence. This will properly belong to catarrh or cold. But the 
gleet is a continued, and oftentimes profuse discharge, when every 
symptom of catarrh and fever has passed away; an almost incredible 
quantity of thickened mucus, of different colors, is discharged, much 
resembling the color of the food he eats. If he feeds on grass, the 
color is green ; if he is stabled, it will be white, straw colored, 
brown, or even bloody, and sometimes mingled with pus ; and either 
constantly running, or snorting out in masses many times in the day ; 
teasing the horse; and a perfect nuisance in the stable and the 
rider. It continues for months sometimes, and eventually destroys 
the horse. 

Cause.— Winters ascribes this, and kindred diseases, to a viciation 
of the sanguineous, lymphatic and excrementitious fluids, which 
may be corrupted by too violent exercise of the animal, overfeeding, 
&c. The books we have consulted, say very little about the causes 
of this disease. 

Symptoms* — These we have already given in the attempt to define 
the disease. To distinguish the gleet from catarrh, pay attention to 
the discharge; if it is a "thickened mucus of different colors, and 
the discharge continues," it is gleet. 

Treatment and cure. — Bleed, and give physic No. 3 or 4, Sect. 
128. Then give him one dram, once a day, of the following tonic 
preparation : 



88 the farmer's complete farrier. 

No. 32. — Tonic alterative. 

Take gentian^aloes, ginger, blue vitriol, of each, two drams ; oak 
or dogwood bark, powdered, one ounce ; mix, and give it in a mash. 

Prepare the following lotion or wash, squirt it into the nostrils, 
and wash them well : 

Take vinegar or wine, one quart; salt and alum, of each, one 
ounce. After using the wash for several days, prepare the following 
ointment ; use as directed below : 

No. 33. — Ointment. 

Take unslaked lime, four ounces; ashes and honey, of each, two 
ounces; vinegar and wine, of each, as much as is necessary; mix it, 
make a liquid ointment, and with a sponge on the end of a stick, 
anoint the parts affected. 

No. 34. — Another ointment — to be used as No. 33. 

Take alum and salt, of each, one ounce ; calcined lead, one and a- 
half ounces; sal ammonia, one-half ounce; ceruse, two ounces; mix 
it with" as much vinegar and honey as to make a soft ointment. A 
few hours after the application of these ointments, the nostrils should 
be carefully washed with warm milk, fresh from the cow, by means 
of a syringe. 

We have been assured by an experienced Farrier, that the above 
has been tried and attended with success, when all other cures had 
failed. 

Sect. 144. 

Glanders — Rotz or Schmider. — Ger. 

This monstrous disease has been called by various names; by way 
of distinction, it is styled "the opprobrium medicorum" by writers 
on the diseases of horses. Loudon says that all attempts hitherto, 
have failed to cure the glanders. If this is true, it may properly be 
considered the most formidable disease to which the noblest of 
quadrupeds is liable. 

After examining from six to ten different authors, with a view to 
select something to the point, we have concluded to insert an article 
from the Library of Useful Knowledge, modified by Mr. Barnum, 
editor of the Farmer's Reporter — and we shall add something from 
various English and German books ; then conclude with an extract 
from our German author, Dr. Winters, believing that the reader will be 
instructed in much that is worth knowing in reference to this disease. 
Barnum? s article we shall insert, as it stands, without changing it to 
conform to our general order, as to disease, cause, symptom, fyc. 

Sect. 145. 

Glanders. — It was described by writers fifteen hundred years ago, 
and it was then, and is now, not only a loathsome, but an incurable 



THE FARMER^ COMPLETE FARRIER. 8§ 

disease ; we shall therefore principally confine ourselves to the con- 
sideration of its symptoms, nature, and causes, and prevention, and 
degree of contagion, and these will afford much matter of interest to 
the farmer. 

Symptoms. — If we could obtain an authentic history of the glan- 
dered horse, we should find that, in the majority of instances, if the 
disease were bred in him, he had been dull, off his feed, losing flesh, 
and his coat staring; and that these appearances had for several weeks 
preceded the characteristic symptoms of glanders. These symptoms, 
however, may lead to, or be the causes of other diseases, or they may 
pass away, and the horse may return to perfect health. That which 
would be considered as the earliest, and an unquestionable symptom 
of glanders, would be an increased discharge from one or both nos- 
trils ; different from the discharge of catarrh, because it is usually 
lighter and clearer in its color, and more glutinous or sticky. When 
rubbed between the fingers it has, even in an early stage, a peculiar, 
clammy, bird-limy feel. It is not discharged occasionally, and in 
large quantities, like the mucus of catarrh, but it is constantly run- 
ning from the nostril. 

It is a singular circumstance, for which no satisfactory account has 
yet been given, that when one nostril alone is attacked, it is, in a 
great majority of cases, the near or left. M. Dupuy, the Director 
of the Veterinary School at Toulouse, gives a most singular account 
of this. He says that out of eight hundred cases of glanders that 
came under his notice, only one was affected in the right nostril. 

This discharge, in cases of infection, may continue, and in so 
slight a degree, as to be scarcely perceptible for many weeks or 
months, before the health and capabilities of the horse seem to be 
injured. It will remain for a long time almost transparent, yet 
gluey ; and then it will begin to be mingled with pus ; retaining, 
however, its sticky character, and being rarely offensive in the early 
stages. The constant flow of this secretion, and its stickiness, with 
the absence of cough either before or during the discharge, will be 
the only symptoms. In process of time, however, pus mingles with 
the discharge, and then another and a characteristic symptom appears. 
Some of this is absorbed, and the neighboring glands become affected ; 
and, if there be discharge from both nostrils, the glands within the 
under jaw will be on both sides enlarged. If the discharge be from 
one nostril only, the swelled gland will be found on that side alone. 
Glanders, however, will frequently exist at an early stage without 
these swelled glands, and some other diseases, as catarrh, will pro- 
duce them. Then we must look out for some peculiarity about these 
glands, and we shall readily find it. The swelling may be at first 
somewhat large and diffused, but the surrounding enlargement soon 
goes off, and one or two small distinct glands remain ; and they are 
not in the centre of the channel, but adhere closely to the jaw on the 
affected side. 



m 

Sect. 146. 
To judge from the nasal membrane. 

The membrane of the nose may now be examined, and will mate- 
rially guide our opinion. It will either be of a dark purplish hue,, 
or almost of a leaden color, or of any shade between the two ; or r 
if there be some of the redness of inflammation, it will have a purple 
tinge ; but there will never be the faint pink blush of health, or the 
intense and vivid red of usual inflammation. Spots of ulceration will 
probably appear on the membrane covering the cartilage of the nose ; 
not simple sore places, or streaks of abrasion, and quite superficial,, 
but small ulcers usually approaching to a circular form, deep, with the 
edges abrupt and prominent. When these appearances are observ- 
ed, there can be no doubt about the matter. Care should be taken, 
however, to ascertain that these ulcers do actually exist, for spots 
of mucus adhering to the membrane have been more than once taken 
for them. The ringer should, if possible, be passed over the sup- 
posed ulcer, to determine whether it can be wiped away ; and it 
should be recollected, as we have already hinted when describing the 
duct that conveys the tears to the nose, that the orifice of that duct, 
just within the nostril, and on the inner side of it, has been mistaken 
for a cancerous ulcer. This orifice is on the continuation of the com- 
mon skin of the muzzle which runs a little way up the nostril, while 
the ulcer of glanders is on the proper membrane of the nose above ; 
and the line of separation between the two is evident on the slightest 
inspection. 

It is proper to state that this discharge has continued unattended by 
any other disease, or even by ulceration of the nostril for two or three 
years, and yet the horse was decidedly glandered from the beginning, 
and capable of propagating the malady. 

When ulcers on the membrane of the nose have appeared, the con- 
stitution will be evidently affected. The horse will lose flesh ; his 
belly will be tucked up ; his coat will be unthrifty, and readily come 
off; cough will be heard ; the appetite will be impaired ; the strength 
will fail ; the discharge from the nose will grow more purulent, dis- 
colored, bloody, stinking ; the ulcers in the nose will be larger and 
more numerous ; and the air-passages being obstructed, a grating, 
choking noise will be heard at every act of breathing/ The lungs 
are now diseased ; they are filled with tubercles or ulcerations ; and 
the horse at length dies, an emaciated and loathsome object. 

Sect. 147, 

Variation of symptoms. 

The symptoms frequently vary, and to a most puzzling degree. 
The discharge will be so slight as scarcely to be perceived, and known 
only by its stickiness ; and the glands will not be in the least degree 
enlarged. At other times a very small enlarged gland may be found, 
adhering to the jaw, and may be stationary month after month, and 



91 

the surgeon may be told that there has never been discharge from the 
nose. He will, however, be wrongly informed here ; it has most as- 
suredly existed, although perhaps to no great degree, at some former 
period, and he will generally, without much difficulty discover it then, 
although perhaps in so small a quantity that the groom or carter will 
deny its existence ; and he will principally satisfy himself with re- 
spect to it, by its gluey feeling. 

Sect. 148. 
How distinguished from strangles. 

Glanders have often been confounded with strangles, and by those 
who ought to have known better. Strangles are peculiar to young 
horses. The early stage resembles common cold, with some degree 
of fever and sore throat ; generally with distressing cough, or at least 
frequent wheezing ; and when the enlargement appears beneath the 
jaw, it is not a single small gland, but a swelling of the whole of the 
substance between the jaws; growing harder towards the middle; 
and after a while appearing to contain a fluid, and breaking. In 
strangles, the membrane of the nose will be intensely red, and the dis- 
charge from the nose profuse, and purulent, or mixed with matter 
almost from the first; and when the tumor has burst, the fever will 
abate, and the horse will speedily get well. 

Should the discharge from the nose continue for a considerable 
time after the horse has recovered from strangles, as it sometimes 
does, there is no cause for fear. Simple strangles need never degen- 
erate into glanders. Good keep, and small doses of the blue vitriol 
given internally, will gradually make all right. 

Glanders have been confounded with catarrh or cold, but the dis- 
tinction between them is plain enough. Fever accompanies cold, 
and loss of appetite, and sore throat ; the quidding of the food, and 
gulping of the water are sufficient indications of the latter of these : 
the discharge from the nose is profuse, and perhaps purulent ; and 
the glands under the jaw, if swelled, are moveable, and there is a 
thickening around them, and they are tender and hot. With proper 
treatment the fever abates ; the cough disappears ; the swellings under 
the throat subside, and the discharge from the nose gradually ceases ; 
or, if it remain, it is usually very different from that which character- 
izes glanders. (In glanders, there is seldom cough of any consequence, 
and, generally, no cough at all. 

A running from the nose, small in quantity, and from the smallness 
of its quantity drying about the edges of the nostril, and so presenting 
some appearance of stickiness, will, in a few cases, remain after se- 
vere catarrh, and especially after the influenza of spring; and these 
have gradually assumed the character of glanders, and more particu- 
larly, when they have been accompanied by enlarged glands and 
ulceration in the nose. Here the aid of a judicious veterinary sur- 
geon is indispensable ; and he perhaps will experience considerable 
difficulty in deciding the case. One circumstance will principally 
guide him. No disease will run on to glanders which has not, to a 



92 the farmer's complete farrier. 

considerable and palpable degree, impaired and broken down the con- 
stitution ; and every disease that does this will run on to glanders. 
He will look then to the general state and condition of the horse, as 
well as to the situation of the glands, the nature of the discharge and 
character of the ulceration. 

If, after all, he is in doubt, an experiment may be resorted to, 
which wears indeed the appearance of cruelty, and which only the 
safety of a valuable animal, or of a whole team, can justify ; he will 
inoculate an ass or a horse already condemned to the hounds with 
the matter discharged from the nose. If the horse be glandered, the 
symptoms of glanders or farcy will appear in the inoculated animal 
in the course of a few days. 

Sect. 149. 
Tub ercles. 

The history we have given of the symptoms of glanders will pretty 
clearly point out its nature. It is an affection of the membrane of 
the nose. Some say that it is the production of tubercles, or minute 
tumors in the upper cells of the nose, which may long exist undetect- 
ed, and hard to be detected except by a scarcely perceptible running 
from the nostril, caused by the slight irritation which they occasion. 
These tubercles gradually become more numerous ; they cluster to- 
gether, suppurate, and break; and small ulcerations are formed. The 
ulcers discharge a poisonous matter, which is absorbed and taken up 
by the neighboring glands, and which, with greater or less rapidity, 
vitiates the constitution of the animal, and is capable of communicat- 
ing the disease to others. Other surgeons content themselves with 
saying that it is an inflammation of the membrane of the nose, which 
may assume an acute or chronic form, or in a very short time, or ex- 
ceeding slowly, run on to ulceration. 

The malady proceeds as we have already described it, but, before 
its termination, becomes connected with farcy. Few horses die of 
glanders without exhibiting some appearance of farcy ; and farcy in 
its latter stages, is almost invariably accompanied by glanders: — they 
are different forms or stages of the same disease. 

There can be no doubt that the membrane of the nose is the origi- 
nal seat of glanders ; that the disease is for a time purely local ; that 
the inflammation of the tubercles must proceed to suppuration before 
that matter is formed on which the poisoning of the constitution de- 
pends ; that the whole circulation does at length become empoisoned ; 
and that the horse is destroyed by the general irritation and disease 
produced. 

Glanders may be either bred in the horse, or communicated by con- 
tagion. What we have further to remark on this malady will be 
arranged under these two heads : 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 93 

Sect. 150. 
Contracting the disease. 

Improper stable management we believe to be a far more frequent 
cause of glanders than contagion. The air which is necessary to 
respiration is changed and empoisoned in its passage through the 
lungs, and a fresh supply is necessary for the support of life. That 
supply may be sufficient, barely to support life, but not to prevent 
the vitiated air from again and again passing to the lungs, and produc- 
ing irritation and disease. The membrane of the nose, possessed 
of extreme sensibility for the purposes of smell, is easily irritated by 
this poison, and close and ill-ventilated stables oftenest witness the 
ravages of glanders. Professor Coleman relates a case which proves 
to demonstration the rapid and fatal agency of this cause. " In the 
expedition to Quiberon, the horses had not been long on board the 
transports, before it became necessary to shut down the hatchways 
(we believe for a few hours only ;) the consequence of this was, that 
some of them were suffocated, and that all the rest were disembark- 
ed either glandered or farcied." — Percival. 

In a close stable, the air is not only poisoned by being repeatedly 
breathed, but there are other and more powerful sources of mischief. 
The dung and the urine are suffered to remain fermenting, and giving 
out injurious gases. In many dark and ill-managed stables a portion 
of the dung may be swept away, but the urine lies for days at the 
bottom of the bed, the disgusting and putrefying nature of which is 
ill concealed by a little fresh straw which the lazy horsekeeper scat- 
ters over the top. 

Sect. 151. 

Importance of keeping stables clean. 

The stables of the gentleman are generally kept hot enough, and 
far too hot, although, in many of them, a more rational mode of treat- 
ment is beginning to be adopted ; but they are lofty and roomy, and 
the horses are not too much crowded together, and a most scrupu- 
lous regard is paid to cleanliness. Glanders seldom prevail there. 
The stables of the farmer are ill-managed and filthy enough, and the 
ordure and urine sometimes remain from week to week, until the 
horse lies on a perfect dunghill, while there is no declivity to drain 
away the moisture, nor any regular pavement to prevent it from 
soaking into the earth, nor any water to clean even the surface, but 
the only instrument of purification is an old stumped broom. Glan- 
ders seldom prevail there ; for the same carelessness which permits 
the filth to accumulate leaves many a cranny for the wind to enter, 
and sweep away the deleterious fumes from this badly roofed and 
unceiled place. 

The stables of the horse-dealer are hot enough ; but a principle of 
strict cleanliness is enforced, for there must be nothing to offend the 
eye or the nose of the customer ; and there glanders are seldom 



04 THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

found. But if the stables of many of our post-horses, and of those 
employed on our canals, be examined, almost too low for a tall horse 
to stand upright ; too dark for the accumulation of filth to be perceived ; 
too far from the eye of the master; ill-drained, and ill-paved; and 
governed by a false principle of economy, which begrudges the labor 
of the man, and the cleanliness and comfort of the animal; these will 
be the very hot-beds of the disease, and in many of these establish- 
ments it is an almost constant resident. 

When speaking of inflammation of the eye, and the effect of ill- 
ventilated stables in producing it, we remarked that the urine of the 
horse contained an unusually large quantity of hartshorn ; and the 
litter wetted by it was disposed most rapidly to ferment, and that the 
gases extricated must be extremely prejudicial to so delicate an organ. 
It may, then, be easily imagined that the constant presence of those 
pungent fumes, and the irritation which they would cause on that 
membrane which is the very seat of smell, must predispose for, and 
often generate a disease which is primarily an affection of this mem- 
brane. 

Glanders may be produced by any thing that injures, or for a length 
of time acts upon, and weakens the vital energy of this membrane. 
They have been known to follow a fracture of the bones of the nose. 
They have been the consequence of violent catarrh, and particularly 
the long continued discharge from the nostrils, of which we have 
spoken. They have been produced by the injection of stimulating 
and acrid substances up the nostril; and every thing that weakens 
the constitution generally, will lead to glanders. It is not only from 
bad stable management, but from the hardships which they endure, 
and the exhausted state of their constitution, that post and machine 
horses are so subject to glanders; and there is scarcely any inflamma- 
tory disease to which the horse is subject, that is not occasionally 
wound up and terminated by the appearance of glanders. 

Sect. 152. 

Glanders, however, are highly contagious. The farmer cannot be 
too well aware of this ; and, considering the degree to which they 
often prevail, the legislature would be justified in interfering by some 
severe enactments, as they have done in the case of the small pox in 
the human subject. The early and marked symptom of glanders is 
a discharge from the nostrils of a peculiar character; and if that, 
even before it becomes purulent, be rubbed on a wound, or on a 
mucous surface, as the nostrils, it will produce a similar disease. — 
Glanders are not communicated by the air or breath. If the division 
between two horses were sufficiently high to prevent all smelling and 
snorting at each other, and contact of every kind, and they drunk not 
out of the same pail, a sound horse might live for years, uninfected, 
by the side of a glandered one. The matter of glanders has been 
mixed up into a ball, and given to a healthy horse, without effect; 
yet in another experiment of the same kind, the poor animal died. — 
The mouth or gullet had probably some small wounds or ulcers in it. 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER, 9J. 

Some horses have eaten the hay left by those that were glandered, 
and no bad consequence has followed ; but others have been speedily 
infected. The glanderous matter must come in contact with a wound, 
or fall on some membrane, thin and delicate like that of the nose, and 
through which it may be absorbed. It is easy, then, accustomed as 
horses are to smell each other, and to recognize each other by the 
smell; eating out of the same manger, and drinking from the same 
pail, to imagine that the disease may be very readily communicated. 
One horse has passed another when he was in the act of snorting, 
and has become glandered. Some fillies have received the infection, 
from the matter blown by the wind across a lane, when a glandered 
horse, in the opposite field, has claimed acquaintance by neighing or 
snorting. It is almost impossible for an infected horse to remain long 
in a stable with others, without irreparable mischief. 

If some persons underrate the danger, it is because the disease may 
remain unrecognized in the infected horse for some months, or even 
years ; and therefore when it appears, it is attributed to other causes, 
or to after inoculation. We would deeply impress it on the mind of 
the farmer, that no glandered horse should be employed on his farm, 
in any kind of work, or permitted to remain for a day on his pre- 
mises : nor should a glandered horse be permitted to work on any road, 
or even to pasture on any field. He may be capable of work for years 
after the disease has become undoubted, but mischief may so easily 
and extensively be effected, that the public interest demands that every 
infected animal should be summarily destroyed, or given over for expe- 
riment to a veterinary surgeon, or recognized veterinary establishment. 

Sect 153. 

Remedy. — Our opinion of the treatment of glanders is implied in 
what we have just stated. There are a few instances of the sponta- 
neous cure of chronic glanders, or glanders long established and slow 
in their progress. The discharge has existed for a considerable time; 
at length it has gradually diminished, and has ceased without medical 
treatment; but in the majority of these supposed cases, the matter 
was only pent up for a while, and then, bursting from its confinement, 
flowed again in double quantity : or if glanders have not re-appeared, 
the horse, in eighteen or twenty-four months, has become farcied, or 
consumptive, and died. We view these cures with much suspicion: 
but even allowing that some have occurred, they are so few and far 
between, that our expressed opinion of the incurable nature of the 
disease, in the present state of veterinary knowledge, is scarcely 
affected. As for medicine, there is scarcely a drug to which a fair 
trial has not been given, and many of them have had a temporary 
reputation; but they have passed away, one after the other, and are 
no longer used. The blue vitriol and the Spanish-fly have held out 
longest, and in a few cases, either nature, or these medicines, have 
done wonders; but, in the majority of instances, they have palpably 
failed. Where the life of a valuable animal is at stake, and the owner 
takes every precaution to prevent infection, he may subject the horse 
to medical treatment; but we indignantly object to the slitting of the 



96 the farmer's complete farrier. 

nostril, and scraping of the cartilage, and searing of the gland, and 
firing of the frontal and nasal bones, and to those injections of pep- 
per and mustard, corrosive sublimate and vitriol, by which the horse 
has been tortured, and the practitioner disgraced. At the veterinary- 
school, and by veterinary surgeons, it will be most desirable that 
every experiment should be tried to discover a remedy for this pest ; 
but, in ordinary instances, he is not faithful to his own interest or that 
of his neighbors, who does not remove the possibility of danger in 
the most summary way. 

Sect. 154, 

Infection left in the stable. 

Supposing that glanders have made their appearance in the stables 
of a farmer, is there any danger after he has removed or destroyed 
the infected horse? Certainly there is, but not to the extent that is 
commonly supposed. There is no necessity for pulling down the 
racks and mangers, or even the stable itself, as some have done. The 
poison resides not in the breath of the animal, but in the nasal dis- 
charge, and that can only reach certain parts of the stable ; and if the 
mangers, and racks, and bales, and partitions, are first well scraped, 
and next scoured with soap and water, and then thoroughly washed 
with a solution of the chloride of lime, (one pint of the chloride to a 
pailful of water,) and the walls are lime-washed, and the head-gear 
burned, and the clothing baked and washed, and the pails new painted, 
and the iron-work exposed to a red heat, all danger will cease. 

Sect. 155. 

Jockey' s tricks. 

The tricks which some dealers resort to at fairs and markets, in 
order to conceal the existence of glanders, are most infamous, and 
should be visited with the severest penalty of the law. Having given 
the horse a brushing gallop, that he may thoroughly clear the nose ? 
some of them blow powdered alum up the nostrils a little while be- 
fore he is shown; others use white vitriol; and although the horse 
may be sadly tortured, about which they care nothing, the discharge 
is for some hours stayed. Others roll up a pledget of tow, and intro- 
duce it into the nostril, sufficiently high to escape common observa- 
tion. Both these tricks may be discovered by the uneasiness of the 
animal, and his repeated efforts to sneeze, as well as by his general 
appearance, and if the disease be far advanced, most assuredly by the 
red or raw appearance of the nose, and by the stinking breath. 

Sect. 156. 

Prevention of glanders. 

Happy should we be, if we could say anything satisfactory of the 
prevention of glanders. The danger from exposure to infection can 
scarcely be avoided by those who travel much, and whose horses 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 97 

must stand in stables, the inmates of which are so promiscuous, and 
so frequently changed. Although we cannot prevent contagion, we 
have more power in preventing the disease from occurring without 
contagion, and that is a point of importance, at least if the opinion 
of Professor Coleman be correct, that not one horse in a thousand 
receives the disease from contagion. To this, however, we cannot 
subscribe, for not only the history of cavalry regiments, but the ex- 
perience of every breeder and proprietor of horses will prove the 
infectious nature of the complaint. 

No fact is more certain, than that he who will keep a glandered 
horse in his stable, or work him in his team, will sooner or later lose 
the greater part of his stud. However, the generation of the disease 
may certainly be much prevented, and the first and most effectual 
mode of prevention will be to keep the stables cool and well ventila- 
ted, for the hot and poisoned air of low and confined stables is one of 
the most prevalent causes of glanders. 

Next to ventilation stands cleanliness ; for the foul air from the fer- 
menting litter, and urine and dung, must not only be highly injurious 
to health generally, but irritate and predispose to inflammation that 
delicate membrane, which is the primary seat of the disease. If to 
this be added regular exercise, and occasional green meat during the 
summer, and carrots in the winter, we shall have stated all that can 
be done in the way of prevention. The farmer's horse, in his cool 
or cold stable, and during the greater part of the year running loose 
when not at work, would be exempt from glanders, if, at the market 
and the fair, he were not so much exposed to contagion. In truth, 
glanders may be considered as the consequence of the stabling of the 
horse. In South America and in Arabia, they are unknown; but 
wherever the European plan of stabling has been introduced, glanders 
have followed in its train : and therefore if any means are resorted to 
for the cure of glanders, the first, and perhaps the only effectual one 
would be to remove every exciting cause of the disease ; to restore 
the horse almost to a state of nature ; to turn him out for a long time, 
or at least to throw open his stable as much as the season and the 
weather will permit. Experience, however, tells us, that although 
the symptoms have disappeared when the exciting causes of disease 
have been removed, and the horse has returned to his stable after a 
twelve month's run, apparently sound, every symptom has gradually 
shown itself again, when these causes have been once more called 
into action. 

Sect. 157. 

From a careful examination of English and German authors on 
this subject, we are strongly inclined to think that the glanders are 
not wholly incurable. We find a few well attested cases ; these should 
therefore encourage the owner of a horse, if he is a valuable one, to 
make an attempt to save the animal. This attempt should be made 
in the earliest stage of the disease ; if it becomes chronic, there is no 
remedy — various are recommended. White recommends the mildest 
preparations of mercury, as ssthiops mineral; under the conviction 



98 the farmer's complete farrier. 

that the more acrid preparations disturb the powers of the constitu- 
tion so much, as to destroy it as effectually as the disease. 

Clark recommends the daily administration of a drink or ball, 
composed of the following ingredients : 

No. 35. — Glander ball or drink. 

Take sulphate of zinc, fifteen grains ; cantharides, powdered, seven 
grains ; allspice, powdered, fifteen grains ; of which he gives one or 
two extraordinary proofs of utility. 

Sect. 158. 

The following is from J. M. G. Jefferies' book, Chambersburg 
edition, page 306: 

For the glanders. 

u The remedy. — Take goose grease, any quantity you like, and 
rub it on the poll and nape of the neck as occasion requires ; I have 
in a great degree experienced its efficacy in some sort in this disorder, 
yet not in a case of desperacy, with success. I am quite of opinion, 
provided the spine is not too far ulcerated, that this remedy, and 
fuming at the nostrils with asafetida and castor, and two or three 
drinks of the decoction of sassafras root, a quarter of an ounce of gum 
guaiacum dissolved in it, given lukewarm, will perfect a speedy cure. 
This remedy seems to be nearly calculated for the disorder in despe- 
rate cases ; the goose grease thus used, will cause any common run- 
ning at the nostrils speedily to evacuate, disperse and dry up, which 
I proved." — Proved. 

Sect. 159. 

Dr. Nachrichter is of opinion that the cause of glanders in the 
horse, is in its general character, not unlike the venerial poison in 
the human subject ; that it is a disease which disorders the whole 
body most violently ; that it spreads and diffuses itself by a kind of 
fermentation and assimilation of matter ; and that the nose is the place 
of discharge. His course of treatment is to purify the blood and 
correct the lymphatic system. 

No. 36. — Physic. 

Take burdock root, two handfuls ; guaiacum wood and sassafras 
root, of each, one-half pound ; rhubarb, four ounces ; senna leaves, 
one ounce; sedlizer salt or epsom salts, one and a-half ounce ; jalap, 
pulverized, one and a-half ounce ; fennel, one-half ounce. 

The burdock, guaiacum and sassafras, put into a crock with three 
quarts of water, and boil it slowly for one hour ; then put in the other 
ingredients, and add four ounces of honey ; let it stand ten hours ; 
then filtrate, and drench the horse on an empty stomach. Every third 
day, repeat this drink, and instead of feeding the horse oats, give him 
bran mixed with hot water ; ride the horse one hour every day. 

Further, make an astringent wash of the following ingredients : 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 99 

No. 37. — Astringent wash. 



B S' 



Take alum and white vitriol, of each, four ounces; calcine them ; 
put the compound into a vessel ; add three pints of rose water ; then 
dissolve one ounce and a-half of camphor in rye whiskey, till it is 
saturated; pour this solution into the other vessel. Take of this 
mixture and squirt a portion of it three times a day into the horse's 
nose ; this will increase the flow of matter, till it is wholly evacuated, 
and will effect a cure in many instances. But if the glands about the 
jaw-bone are swollen, or can be felt, the horse is not cured; the dregs 
of this disease are still there. Hence, it is necessary to cause the 
swollen parts to suppurate, and thus remove the virus. Make the 
following plaster, and apply it externally over the swollen glands : 

No. 38. — Plaster for swollen glands. 

Take flaxseed, one-half pound; and the seed of goats' thorn, four 
ounces ; pulverize it ; put it into a crock containing three pints ; 
place it over a slow fire till the contents are reduced to a pulp; add 
to the pulp a-half pound of salve of marshmallows ; make a poul- 
tice, and apply it. This will cause it either to suppurate, or it will 
act as a discutient. If it has not this effect, the glands must be cut 
out. The wound is to be treated as directed in Chap. XIII.-— 
Article, Treatment of wounds. — See also Appendix. — Article, 
Glanders. 

Sect. 160. 

Another extract from the same author, headed "Die beste und 
sicker ste methode:" " The best and safest method." 

1. Bleed the diseased horse freely ; early the first day ; open both 
the bronchial and jugular veins. 

2. The second and third day, give him a purifying powder in his 
feed, or as a drink. Do not suffer him to eat or drink afterwards for 
several hours. From one to two ounces of the following powder 
should be given at one time : 

No. 39. — Cleansing powder. 

Take hazelwort, carline thistle, white gentian root, fenugreek, of 
each, four ounces ; anise, bay berries, black hellebore, of each, one- 
half ounce; juniper berries, half a handful; flaxseed, four ounces; 
reduce the whole to a powder, and feed from one to two ounces at a 
time. 

3. The third day, if the powder has operated, it may be omitted 
being given. 

4. The fourth day, the following mercurial preparation is used or 
adhibited : 

No. 40. — Mercurial preparation. 

Take mercur. viv., one ounce; laurel oil, three ounces; fat of a 
dog, three ounces ; olive oil, eight ounces. 



100 THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

The mercury must be rubbed in a mortar with spirits of turpen- 
tine till it is completely dissolved; then mix with it the dog's fat 
and olive oil, and give it to the horse early next morning, and ride 
or lead him about till he becomes warm. He should have nothing 
to eat in the forenoon. He should be well covered with blankets, 
and kept warm. 

N. B. — In relation to the dose, the age and strength of the horse 
must be consulted. 

5. No medicine is to be administered the fifth, sixth, and, accord- 
ing to circumstances, the seventh day. 

6. The seventh and eighth day the horse is to be bled as before, but 
on the other side of the neck ; upon which, give the following powder 
with his first feed in the morning — dose, from one to two ounces : 

No. 41. — Cleansing powder. 

Take brimstone, four ounces ; asafetida, one and a-half ounce ; Bar- 
badoes aloes, one ounce; cremor tartar, one ounce; ground ivy, a 
handful; savine, four ounces; bay berries, four ounces; lungwort, 
two handfuls ; centaury, two handfuls ; hazelwort and black helle- 
bore, two ounces ; woundwort, betony, fennel, hyssop, of each, one 
ounce ; crude antimony, eight ounces ; pulverized, and mixed. 

7. This powder is to be given for ten or twelve days. The horse 
is to be bled again in the same veins where the cure was commenced. 
At the expiration of ten days, give the powder every second or third 
day, till the horse is cured. 

Remarks. 

1. The herbs and roots must be of the best that can be procured, 
and be well pulverized. 

2. If the disease is deeply rooted, continue longer with the cleans- 
ing powders. 

3. The throat, jaws, and affected parts, to be daily anointed or 
greased with laurel oil, or a warm poultice to be applied, made of 
scorphularia, or some other emollient poultice. 

4. The horse should not be suffered to drink cold water. Should 
be fed on moist food, manger meat, or green food. 

5. While the mercurial preparation is given, the horse must not be 
exposed to wet or cold; but be kept in a warm stable, and be moved 
about in the stable, or a covered shed, to afford him exercise. 

6. Should the diseased animal be a mare with foal, divide the 



7. The stable must be kept perfectly clean; well ventilated. 

Sect. 161. 

Dr. Winters says there are two varieties of glanders. The one 
is incurable ; the other curable if not too long neglected. The cause 
of this disease is a great irregularity of the sensorial functions. 

The symptoms of both varieties are nearly alike. He enume- 
rates the following: 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 101 

1 . If the horse has been ridden till warm, and if you compress 
the windpipe, he seems to suffocate. 

2. The pus, or matter, dropping from the nose into the water, 
sinks to the bottom. 

3. The flow of matter is unceasing. 

4. If the matter is white, and not offensive to the smell, the disease 
is curable. 

5. If the pus is yellow, or reddish, or tinged with blood, it is incur- 
able. 

6. Horses affected with glanders will eructate occasionally a foul 
humidness. 

7. He will let much of the water pass from the mouth as he is 
drinking, mingled with pus. 

8. Hang the head low, and droop the ears. 

9. Breathe with difficulty, or heavily. 

10. Refuse occasionally to drink or eat. 

11. Affected with cough ; drawing in the flanks very much. 

12. The nostrils feel cold. 

13. Become lean and lazy. 

14. The mane is easily pulled, or sheds spontaneously. 

15. An offensive smell passes from the mouth and nose. 
Treatment. — Bleed at the neck ; not too largely. The next day 

give the following potion: 

No. 42. — Drench. 

Take fennel, one ounce ; licorice wood, two ounces ; colt's foot, 
three handfuls ; honey, six ounces ; wine or water, three quarts — - 
mixed; simmered over a slow fire; filtrated, and administer it warm 
in two doses. 

Then give physic No. 17, Sect. 136. After which, give the horse 
of the following preparation: 

No. 43. — Tonic physic. 

Take myrrh, four drams ; birth wort and gentian, of each, eight 
drams; laurel and sarsaparilla, of each, two ounces; jalap and sol- 
danel, of each, one ounce ; agaric, two ounces ; honey, twelve 
ounces ; wine, two quarts — mix; divide it into four portions ; give a 
dose each day, for four days. 

Stable attendance should be the best. The horse should be ridden, 
or moved about, daily. The food should be moistened oats or bran. 
His daily drink should be as given below. 

No. 44. — Glanders-drink. 

Take centaury, three handfuls ; garlic and ginger, of each, three 
ounces ; garden cress seed, two ounces ; calamus, four ounces; lico- 
rice root, one pound; agaric, two ounces; turbith, one ounce; elder 
root, two ounces ; honey, two quarts. Add to these sixteen gallons 
of water, and put it into a kettle, slowly simmered. Of this decoc- 
tion, mix the horses drink daily. His drink should not be cold. 



102 the farmer's complete farrier. 

N. B. — A friend has just handed us a "leaf" from a little work 
by P. Montague, Gent., printed Dublin, Ireland, 1763, which we 
here subjoin. The "leaf" is part of a dialogue between the doctor 
and the groom. 

Groom. — What method do you pursue to cure this distressing 
disease, the glanders ? 

Dr. P. Montague. — The method of cure I shall lay down has 
lately cured upwards of fifty horses, out of three-score; and pro- 
vided my directions are carefully observed, I very much question 
if one in a hundred would miss of a cure. You are first to procure 
a close warm stable ; keep the horse a day or two with small quan- 
tities of choice hay, and scalded bran ; then, over night blow up his 
nostrils as much asarabacca, in fine powder, as will lie on a six- 
pence, and repeat it again in the morning ; his drink to be a weak 
lime-water ; and this you may follow four or five days : then take 
two ounces of elecampane roots ; boil them in a quart of milk till 
they are soft enough to mingle with it, which you are to give to the 
horse while it is warm ; continue these three or four days ; and after- 
wards give Markham's moss-water, which is thus prepared : Take 
two handfuls of white moss, which grows on old oaken pales, and 
boil it in two quarts of milk till near one quart be wasted ; then strain 
it, squeeze the moss well, and give it the horse milk warm : this you 
may continue four or five days ; and about an hour after you have given 
the drink each day, proceed as follows : Take the quantity of a pullet's 
egg of good sweet butter, and about half an ounce of brimstone, well 
powdered, and work these very well together into a salve ; then take 
two clean goose feathers, the longest you can procure, and make a 
hole in each, at the quill-ends, and fasten two long threads thereto; 
having done thus, anoint the feathers with your salve till they are well 
soaked therewith; and after this, roll them in dry powder of brim- 
stone. You are now to open the horse's nostrils, and thrust up the 
feather ends into his head ; and the threads which are at the quill- 
ends you are to fasten on the top of the horse's head, which keeps the 
feathers from dropping out. It is requisite, if the weather be mild, 
to ride your horse for an hour or two, morning and evening; and 
when you bring him to his stable, let him stand about half an hour 
before you take out the feathers; then give him a little hay, sprinkled 
with urine; and after that, a little scalded bran. During this opera- 
tion, it would forward the cure if you bathe his head with spirits of 
wine, camphorated; and afterwards confine his head over a tub of 
hot grains, in such a manner, as he may have the benefit of the 
steam arising from them. Proceed in this manner for eight or nine 
days, and you need not doubt of a complete cure. But to prevent a 
relapse, and to decoy the humors from their own channel, I advise a 
rowel ; after which, give one of the following alterative balls every 
other day, for a week : 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 108 

No. 45.— Alterative ball. 

Turbith mineral, one dram; diapente, one ounce; make into a ball 
with honey. 

You may then let your horse rest four or five days, and after, give 
him about two ounces of nitre a day, either in his corn, water, or a 
ball, as you like best; but, however given, it must be finely pow- 
dered. If made into a ball, it is to be done with honey, and thus 
you have a sure cure, at a trifling expense, and very little trouble. 

Sect. 162. 
m. — Farcy — Raeude.—Gex. 

Farcy is a disease closely allied with the glanders. Mr. White 
has shown satisfactorily, that farcy and glanders will mutually pro- 
duce each other. The farcy, however, is a disease more easily cured 
than the glanders, of which daily experience delivers convincing 
proofs, Mr. Mills calls this disease a cording of the veins, and the 
appearance of small tumors in several parts of the body. 

The farcy is a contagious disease among horses, and is more to be 
dreaded than any other malady to which they are subject. 

Symptoms. — It sometimes makes its appearance on a particular 
part, while at other times it spreads its horrid ravages through the 
whole system. It may be found in the neighborhood of each blood 
vessel, following the track of the veins, and when inveterate, appears 
to thicken their coats and integuments. Its characteristics are a ful- 
ness and hardness of the veins, a number of small lumps or buds on 
the limbs or lower parts of the body, which at first appearance are 
hard, but soon turn into soft blisters, and which (when broken) dis- 
charge an oily or bloody ichor, and turn into foul, spreading ulcers. 
In some horses it appears in the head only, in others near the exter- 
nal jugular or plate veins, inside the fore-arms, on the hind parts, 
near the large veins inside the thighs, about the pasterns, and particu- 
larly about the knees of the horse, which are frequently swelled until 
they appear deformed. 

The poison of the farcy appears to be slow in its operation, as a 
horse will frequently linger and dwindle away for six or nine months, 
and the ulcers increase in number and size, until the flesh appears 
almost disposed to fall from the bones, before life is destroyed. The 
appetite of a horse thus diseased is generally good to the last, but his 
hair looks dead, and his eyes sad and desponding. 

The farcy, in its first stage, readily admits of a cure : but after 
running on a horse for a length of time, and the absorbents or lym- 
phatics about the ulcers become inflamed from an absorption of poi- 
sonous matter, the cure is rendered extremely difficult. 

Whenever the farcy rises on the spine, it shows great malignancy, 
and is considered dangerous, particularly to horses that are fat, and 
full of blood. When it is general in the system, as is sometimes the 
case, it rises on several parts of the body at once, forming many 
large and foul ulcers, causing a profuse running of greenish cor- 



104 THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

rupted matter from both nostrils, and soon terminates the existence 
of the animal by general mortification. 

In the lower limbs the farcy sometimes remains concealed for a 
great length of time, and makes so slow a progress that it is often 
mistaken for a wound, or some other disease. A single bud will some- 
times appear opposite the pastern joint, and run upwards in an uneven 
and knotty form; and unless some steps are taken to check its pro- 
gress, it will slowly steal upon the animal until it becomes general in 
the system, and finally centres in the lungs ; shortly after which a 
gangrene ensues, and the horse is unburdened of a life that is not 
only painful to himself, but to all that behold him. 

Treatment. — To effect a cure in this distressing disease, in its first 
stage, bleed three times the first week, taking half a gallon of blood 
at each bleeding, feed principally on bran, oats, or any food easily 
digested, and the long food green, (if to be had ;) remove all filth from 
or about the stable, taking care to keep it neat and clean afterwards ; 
give three mashes a week, of bran, scalded with sassafras tea, one 
table spoonful of powdered brimstone, and one tea spoonful of salt- 
petre, (not permitting the horse to drink for six hours afterwards,) 
take half an ounce of asafetida, which can be procured in any apothe- 
cary's shop ; wrap it in a clean linen rag, and nail it in the bottom of 
the manger in which he is fed ; all his drink must be equal quantities 
of sassafras boiled in water to a strong decoction, and half an ounce 
of asafetida should be placed in his watering bucket, in the same 
manner as directed for the manger; the buds or ulcers should be 
washed once a day with blue stone or copperas water, and if the 
knees or ancles are swelled, spread on a piece of buckskin mercurial 
ointment, and bind them up as tight as possible without giving pain. 

The second week bleed twice, taking half a gallon of blood each 
bleeding, if the horse is in tolerable order ; or if poor, only half the 
quantity ; give the same number of mashes as directed for the first 
week, also the same drink, taking care to renew the asafetida in the 
manger and bucket, should it be sufficiently exhausted to require it. 

The third weekbleedbut once, taking one quart of blood : in other re- 
spects observe the same treatment as directed for the first and second 
weeks. The horse should be moderately exercised about a mile, 
twice a day, and occasionally should be offered a little hommony, as 
a change of food, to keep up his appetite. 

By the time your attentions for the third week expire, if the dis- 
ease is only local, it will not only be removed, but the plight of the 
horse will be much improved. 

When the farcy makes its appearance epidemically, the cure is 
rendered difficult, and will require the aid of more active medicine. 
Prepare and give to a horse thus diseased, a ball, every night for 
a week, composed of twenty-five grains of calomel, a quarter of an 
ounce of powdered fennel seed, a small quantity of syrup of any 
kind, and as much crumb of loaf bread as will make a ball about the 
size of an English walnut; all buds or ulcers should be washed 
clean in blue-stone water, after which they should be well rubbed 
around with mercurial ointment once a day ; a narrow pitch plaster 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 105 

should be laid on at the joining of the head and neck, in the direction 
of the throat latch, for the purpose of taking off the hair, which will 
happen in two or three days ; after which, a lump of mercurial oint- 
ment, about the size of a hickory nut, must be rubbed on the naked 
part, amongst the large glands of the throat, until it is entirely absorb- 
ed, every night and morning, until the expiration of the week; 
added to which, the treatment generally may be the same as before 
recommended in the more simple stage of the farcy, with these excep- 
tions ; the drink should never be cold, but the air taken off, or milk 
warm ; the mashes without sulphur, during the week the balls are 
given, as the sulphur counteracts the effects of the calomel and oint- 
ment ; he should not be bled, and great care should be used to pre- 
vent his getting wet, and catching cold in any way while under the 
course of physic. 

At the expiration of the first week, stop with the balls and oint- 
ment for a week, adding sulphur to the mashes, as directed in the first 
stage of farcy. At the expiration of the second week, stop with the 
sulphur, and again commence with the balls and ointment. Go on in 
this manner, continuing to change the medicine each week until the 
cure is performed. 

It may sometimes happen that a horse's mouth will be sore before 
the expiration of a week, when taking the balls and using the oint- 
ment. Whenever this is discovered, stop with the balls, and add 
sulphur to the mashes, which will readily remove the soreness about 
the mouth. — Mason. 

The disease is contagious, and those who have more than one 
horse, to them it is recommended, to use asafetida in the manger, 
watering bucket, and to the bridle bit, to prevent its contagious 
effect. Mason says he made a fair experiment of the asafetida as a 
preventive, by placing a horse violently affected with farcy, and 
which fell a victim to it, in the same stable with one in health, with- 
out any ill consequences resulting from their contiguous situation. 

Sect. 163. 

George Jefferies, of Chester county, Pa. recommends the following: 

For a farcy. 

First bleed in those veins that most feed the farcy ; then give him 
this drink : 

No. 46. — Physic. 

Take aloes, one ounce; boil it in three quarts of water until re- 
duced to a quart ; add to it one gill of molasses, as much of soft soap, 
and half as much yeast, and give it to the horse lukewarm. 

Ride him a mile before and after it, and keep him warm for two or 
three days until the physic has done working. 

Sect. 164. 

Blaine professes to have received great benefit from the use of the 
following course of treatment, after depletion : 
8 



106 the farmer's complete farrier. 

No. 47. — Farcy ball. 

Take oxmuriate of quicksilver, eight grains; oxide of arsenicy 
eight grains ; subacetate of copper, eight grains ; sublimate of cop- 
per, one scruple ; made into a ball and given every morning, care- 
fully watching the effects; and if it be found to occasion distress, 
divide and give half, night and morning. 

After the ball is given, administer the following : 

No. 48. — Farcy draught. 

Take the expressed juice of clevers, or goose grass, six ounces ; 
a strong decoction of hemp seed and sassafras, six ounces. 

He adds: "whatever treatment is pursued, it will be rendered 
doubly efficacious if green meat (food, such as grass, &c.,) be procur- 
ed, and the horse be fed wholly on it ; provided the bowels will 
Dear such food ; but if the medicines gripe, by being joined with 
green food, add to the diet bean meal." Bran or oat meal will 
answer. 

Writers on diseases and their treatment, seem to be infected with 
a kind of cacoethas crescendi morborum, hence many have called a 
certain dropsical affection of the skin or chest, the watery farcy. We 
shall dismiss the watery farcy, and direct the readers attention to 
something more tangible — not so evanescent. 

Sect. 165. 

n. — Polypus — Zasergew seeks. — Ger. 

Of the polypus, which occupies the horse's nose, and sometimes 
increases to an enormous size, obstructing the breathing and sadly 
annoying the horse, nothing is said by any of the English authors 
on farriery, that we have examined. 

In Winters' Wohlerfahrner Pferde-Arzt, Lebanon edition, p. 176, 
we find a chapter from which we shall present an extract in an Eng- 
lish dress, after submitting a few words of our own. 

We shall not detain the reader by a description of the different 
kinds of polypi, nor inquire into the different causes that produce 
them. The polypus under consideration is that which has its seat 
in the nose, whether arising from a swelling of the pituitary mem- 
brane, or from an ulcer produced by a caries of some of the nasal 
bones. Polypi are of different texture and constitution ; some are 
soft, easily lacerated and bleed on the least touch ; others are firm or 
compact, while some are of a scirrhous nature. It is not their nature, 
but their size that intercepts the passage of the air through the nostrils, 
and when large, often force the septum narium into the opposite 
nostril, so that the afflicted horse cannot breathe, and death is the 
consequence, for the nostrils in this animal are the only apertures to 
admit air into the lungs ; hence the importance of a remedy or cure. 



Sect. 166. 

"The polypus distresses the horse which is afflicted with it, and, as 
a consequence, greatly emaciates him. It cannot be mistaken by its 
symptoms. It can be seen and felt. It often enlarges so much that 
it will protrude from the nostrils. To cure or remove it, as prepara- 
tory, feed the horse agaric, mixed with his feed, for eight days ; then 
administer the follov/ing purgative : 

No. 49. — -Purgative* 

Take agaric and jalap, of each, one-half ounce ; hiera picra and 
glim gamboge, of each, one ounce; scammony, one dram; turbinth, 
one-half dram — mixed; put into two quarts of honey water, and 
given in one draught. 

This purgative must be given every fourth day, till a cure is effected ; 
and an injection once a week. As soon as the first physic has ope- 
rated, cauterize the polypus with a hot iron, or apply escharotics, as 
the follov/ing: 

No. 50.-— Es char otic. 

Take the juice of marjoram-, carduus-benedictus, of each, one 
ounce; calamus, pulverized, red coriander, pulverized, of each, one 
dram — mixed; squirted into the nose. Another: 

No. 51. — Eschar otic. 

Take the juice of snake root, two ounces; the seeds of dragon- wort, 
pulverized, four drams — mixed ; applied with a sponge. Another : 

No. 52. — Eschar otic 

Take sandarac, pulverized, one ounce ; seeds of snake root, pul- 
verized, one-half ounce — mixed; put on wool, and applied. An- 
other : 

No. 53.— Eschar 'otic ivasli* 

Take unslaked lime, eight ounces ; sulphate of copper, sal am- 
monia, of each, one ounce — mixed; add fresh water sufficient; then 
filtrate, and apply it with a syringe. 

If the escharotics are not first applied, before the polypus is re- 
moved by an operation, they should be applied to the seat of the 
polypus, after the operation, which will effectually remove the re- 
mains ; or the following may be used : 

No. 54. — Escharotic. 

Take the juice of the herb wound-wort, (iaserpitium,) mix it with 
honey, and apply it ; or apply vitriol. Another : 

No. 55. — Escharotic. 

Take unslaked lime, mixed with vinegar, or vitriol, or pulverized 
snake root, or the salve of vitriol and honey, mixed, and apply. 
But the most effectual escharotic is the juice of marjoram* 



208 THE FARMER^ COMPLETE FARRIER. 

Note. — We think common caustic — potassa fusa — is a more 
powerful escharotic. It dissolves readily, both in water and alcohol, 
and might, perhaps, be used with advantage. The following is Lou- 
don's formula of fungus wash ; but he recommends lunar caustic: 

No. 56. — Fungus wash. 

Take lunar caustic, one dram ; water, two ounces, mixed. — Com- 
piler. 

Touching treatment. 

1. The stable should be tolerably warm, perfectly dry, and not 
exposed to wind. 

2. The feed should be free from dust, and mixed with some 
betony or bole armeniac. 

3. The drink, lukewarm, infused with goats' thorn seed, betony 
and wound-wort, or saracene comfrey. 

Sect. 167. 

o.- -Diseases of the mouth — Lampas, canker, sore tongue. — Lara- 
pas— Frosch, or Maulgeschwulst. — Ger. 

Lampas is an excrescence in the roof of the mouth which hinders 
a horse from feeding, and to which all horses, but particularly very 
young ones, are liable. The late Judge Peters is of opinion that 
lampas is caused by fever in the horse ; that the swelling should be 
allayed by reducing the fever; that we should never suffer a horse 
to be burned in the mouth. 

This disease is, in some instances, not only confined to the ridges, 
or rugse of the palate, but occasionally affects the whole passage of 
the mouth, throat and stomach, which suffer by sympathy. The bar- 
barous practice of burning should yield to the more mild and efficient 
cure of physic, No. 3, Sect. 128, or gentle alteratives, No. 1, Sect 
128 ; to which may be added rubbing the part with salt and vinegar. 

To relieve the inflammation, and cause the swelling to subside, an 
experienced farrier has recommended, that besides physicing, a few 
slight incisions across the bars with a lancet or knife, should be 
made. This will certainly do no harm. But the operator should be 
careful not to cut the principal artery and vein of the palate. 

A certain French writer recommends a transverse cutting of the 
gums; and to apply pulverized verdigris, salt and soot, every six 
hours. 

Nachrichter says, after cutting or scarification of the rugae, rub the 
place well with salt ; afterwards wash with the following lotion : 

No. 57. — TT r ash for lampas. 

Take savin, two ounces ; myrrh, two ounces ; one pint of vine- 
gar, mixed ; boiled — and then wash. 



109 

Sect. 168. 
Canker and. ivounds in the month. 

The mouth is injured much oftener than the careless owner sus- 
pects, by the pressure of a sharp bit. Not only are the bars wounded 
and deeply ulcerated, but the lower jaw, between the tush and the 
grinders, is sometimes torn even to the bone, and the bone itself 
affected, and portions of it come away. It may be necessary to 
have a sharp bit for the headstrong and obstinate beast; yet if that 
be severely and unjustifiably called into exercise, the animal may 
rear, and endanger himself and rider. But there can be no occasion 
for a thousandth part of the torment which the trappings of the 
mouth inflict on a willing and docile servant, and which either render 
the mouth hard, and destroy the pleasure of riding, or caus"e the 
horse to become fretful or vicious. If the mouth becomes sore from 
the bridle, touch daily with segptiacum, and cover the bit with 
leather, unless total rest can be allowed. 

Mixture for canker in the mouth. 

Take of wine vinegar, one-half pint; burnt alum and common 
salt, of each, one ounce ; bole armeniac, one-half ounce— mix ; and 
shake them together in a bottle, for use. 

It will be proper to dress the horse's mouth with this mixture 
every morning and evening, in the following manner : Take a small 
cane, or a piece of whale-bone, half a yard long, and tie a linen rag, 
or a little tow, round one end; then dip it into the mixture, and pass 
it up his mouth, and gently remove it to all the affected parts : let him 
champ it well about in his mouth : after which, let him fast an hour ; 
then give food as usual. 

Sect. 169. 

Cure for sore tongues. 

By making use of a little tar, onee a day, rubbed on the tongue of 
the sound horses with a mop, is an effectual preventive ; for the 
diseased horse, take a common table spoonful of spirits of turpentine, 
and pour it on the tongue, as far down as practicable; then with a mop 
well saturated with the spirits of turpentine, mop every part of the 
tongue ; after this, make use of the tar as in the way above men- 
tioned, as a preventive : this done once or twice a day, for two or 
three days, has never failed making a cure. 

Sect. 170. 

p. — Strangles — Brusen. — Ger. 

This disease generally attacks young horses between the third and 
fifth years of their age, and consists in an inflammation of the mem- 
brane of the throat and nose, and swelling of the glands under the 
throat, accompanied with cough, and a discharge of white, thick mat- 
ter from the nostrils ; sometimes there are likewise a soreness of the 



110 THE FARMER r S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

throat, and difficulty in swallowing. The inflamed glands commonly 
suppurate in a short time, and burst, discharging a large quantity of 
matter. When this has taken place, the cough and other symptoms 
generally go off, the sore gradually heals, and the horse speedily re- 
covers. In some cases the strangles assume a more formidable ap- 
pearance, are attended with a considerable degree of fever, and the 
throat is sometimes so much inflamed, that the horse is incapable of 
swallowing either food or Avater ; but however violent the attack may 
be, I have always found that, by adopting a proper mode of treatment, 
every unpleasant symptom may be easily removed, and a speedy re- 
covery effected. It is not a very uncommon circumstance for the 
strangles to attack young horses while at grass ; and then they are 
frequently not perceived until nature has nearly effected a cure. 

The approach of strangles may be known by a dullness of counte- 
nance, watery eyes, cough, and a slight degree of swelling in the 
glands under the jaw. As soon as discovered, let the hair be care- 
fully clipped off from the inflamed glands and contiguous parts of the 
throat ; let a large poultice be then applied to the throat, in doing 
which it is necessary to take care that it is so secured as to be con- 
stantly in contact with the throat ; for unless this is attended to, the 
poultice will be but of little service. I have generally found, that by 
rubbing a small quantity of some stimulating ointment on the inflamed 
glands, previous to the application of each poultice, suppuration has 
been considerably promoted ; for this purpose the following formula 
will be found useful : 

Camphor, two drams ; oil of origanum, one dram ; spermaceti oint- 
ment, two ounces; mixed. 

When matter is completely formed in the glands, which may be 
known by the tumor becoming larger, and by the skin feeling tense 
and somewhat elastic, an opening should be made with a lancet, and 
its contents evacuated ; this plan is certainly preferable to that of wait- 
ing until it bursts spontaneously, as the animal is instantly relieved 
by it, and the cure more speedily effected. To evacuate the matter 
perfectly, it is necessary to use moderate pressure with the fingers ; 
and when this has been done, let a piece of lint, dipped in digestive 
liniment, be inserted for the purpose of keeping the lips of the wound 
open, and allowing the matter to escape freely ; the poultice is to be 
continued until the swelling is perfectly reduced. When strangles 
attack the internal parts of the throat, so as to render the horse inca- 
pable of swallowing, and particularly if the external swelling be not 
considerable, it will be advisable to apply a blister and keep the 
bowels open with clysters. It is very necessary, in every case of 
strangles, to steam the head well ; that is to put hot bran mashes into 
the manger frequently, so that the horse may inhale its vapors. 

It is of consequence to distinguish cases of incipient strangles from 
common colds. In the latter, bleeding is a useful remedy ; but in the 
former I believe it does much harm, by interrupting a process of 
nature. I cannot, by any argument, show why bleeding should be 
improper in the strangles ; indeed, if our practice were guided by 
theory only, we should be led to consider it as a case of common 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER* 111 

Inflammation, and consequently adopt that mode of treatment which 
would tend to remove it most expeditiously, and prevent suppuration ■,; 
and with this view, we should have recourse to bleeding and purga- 
tives : experience, however, certainly sanctions a different treatment, 
and has, I think, fully proved the propriety of using every means for 
encouraging suppuration. I have seen several hundred cases in 
which this plan has been pursued, and not one of them terminated 
unfavorably. Should the inflammation, however, spread to the lungs, 
occasioning great difficulty in breathing and fever, and particularly if 
the horse be past the age of five, bleeding must not be omitted ; and 
if a laxative drink can be given, it will be found of great service. A 
rowel in the chest will also do good. 

Should a cough or any unpleasant symptom remain after the stran- 
gles are healed, let the following alternative ball be given every morn- 
ing, until moderate purging is produced; and if it be found necessary, 
let it be repeated after an interval of four or five days. It is almost 
superfluous to add, that great attention must be paid by the groom; 
the head, neck and chest, as well as the body, should be clothed ; 
warm water should be given frequently in small quantities ; a large 
quantity of litter should be allowed ; and hand-rubbing to the legs 
should never be omitted. 

Alternative ball. 

Barbadoes- aloes, one and a-half dram; emetic tartar and castile 
soap, of each, two drams ; to be made into a ball for one dose. 

Sect. 171. 

Bsertgis says, physic the horse, and feed him for one or two days 
on bran mashes ; give him warm drink, and administer the following 
as directed below : 

No. 58.— Cure for strangles"— a drink. 

Take juniper berries, pulverized, one-half ounce ; cinnamon, tw© 
drams ; cloves, Spanish pepper, of each, one dram ; laurel berries, 
one-half ounce; brandy or whisky, half a pint; mix — divide it into 
two portions ; give a portion each day, followed by one gill of sweet 
or olive oil ; bleed freely the third day. 

Jefferies says, for the strangles, bleed under the tongue, and fume 
with the decoction of camomile ; poultice with bran, vinegar, salt, 
and hog's lard, and it will soon cure.— Proved. 

Sect. 172. 

q. — Fives — -Feifel.- — Ger. 

The vives is a disease in horses, which is much akin with the 
strangles, differing only in this, that the sw r ellings of the kernels un- 
der the ears of the horse, (the parts at first chiefly affected,) seldom 
gather or come to matter, but by degrees perspire off and disperse, by 
warm clothing, anointing with the marshmallow ointment, and a 
moderate bleeding or two. But should the inflammation continue, 
notwithstanding these means, a suppuration must be promoted* 



112 THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

When these swellings appear in an old or full aged horse, they are 
signs of great malignity, and often of an inward decay, as well as 
forerunners of the glanders. 

The following cure has been recommended as effectual: 

No. 59.— Vive ointment. 

Take crude mercury or quicksilver, one ounce; Venice turpentine... 
one-half ounce ; rub together in a mortar till the globules of the mer- 
eury are no longer visible ; then add two ounces of hog's lardc 
" Some authors recommend this ointment to be used at first, in order 
to disperse the swellings, and prevent their coming to matter; bleed- 
ing and purging at the same time for that purpose ; but as in young 
horses they seem to be critical, the practice by suppuration is certain- 
ly more eligible and safe: for want of properly affecting which, the 
humors frequently settle, or are translated to the lungs, and other 
bowels, or falling on the fleshy part of the hind quarters, form deep 
imposthumes between the muscles, which discharge such large quan- 
tities of matter as sometimes kill the horse, and very often endanger 
his life, 

Sect. 173. 
Jefferictf cure for the vives. 

Take a little pepper ; a spoonful of swine's grease ; the juice of a 
handful of rue ; two spoonfuls of vinegar ; mix them together, and : 
put them equally into the horse's ear, and tie them up with two flat 
laces ; shut the ears that the medicine may go down ; then let the horse 
blood in the neck and temple veins. 

Another from the same author : 

Shave off the hair, then take shoemakers' wax and spread it on a 
piece of alumed leather, and put it on the sore : do not remove it 
until it break it ; renew it, and it will both heal and dry it. 

Sect. 174. 

B. — Diseases of the neck. 

The neck of the horse is liable to several diseases which proceed 
from some external cause, such as blows and bruises — the principal 
ones are fistula and poll-evil. 

a. — -Fistula — JRcehrgeschwuer or fisteh — Ger. 

The fistula is a deep narrow ulcer, generally arising from abscesses. 
This disease is so called from its similarity to a pipe or reed. 

The fistula in the withers, generally proceeds from some blow or 
bruise, and is the most disagreeable disease to which a horse is sub- 
ject. I would recommend it to every person, whose situation will 
admit of the sacrifice, to dispose of a horse thus unfortunately affect- 
ed, for whatever sum he would bring, or even give him away, sooner 
than be at the expense and trouble, and run the risk of performing a 
cure which, if completed, would be tedious, and the horse be much 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 113 

lessened in value in consequence of being disfigured by the scar 
which unavoidably will be left. The remedy here recommended is 
severe, but it will have the desired effect more speedily than any 
other. 

So soon as the fistula assumes a formidable appearance, fomenta- 
tions of bitter herbs should be employed, such as wormwood, camo- 
mile, bay leaves, mullen, life-everlasting, &c. boiled in water to a strong 
decoction, and after being strained, should be applied hot as the horse 
can bear it without giving pain, by means of large woolen cloths. 
This application promotes suppuration, and when matter is formed, 
let the tumor be opened, so that its contents may be completely evacu- 
ated ; after which, let the sore be nicely washed with strong soap- 
suds, and apply the following ointment once a day : Take of verdi- 
gris, half an ounce ; copperas, half an ounce ; oil turpentine, one 
ounce ; ointment of yellow rosin, four ounces ; to be well mixed to- 
gether. As soon as healthy matter is discharged from the fistula, the 
ointment may be discontinued, and nothing more will be necessary, 
except keeping it perfectly clean with strong soap-suds. — Mason. 

Arsenic is almost a certain cure ; take as much as will lie on the 
point of a penknife and apply it to the opened wound. Repeat every 
third day for nine days. 

I took, says a writer in the Genesee Farmer, a small piece of cloth, 
wet it, and rolled it over and over in dry arsenic, and in the shape of a 
small roll, thrust it to the bottom of the tube and secured it there about 
ten hours. At the end of the time, finding the tube detached from 
the animal, except a little at the bottom, I then separated it from the 
horse with a sharp penknife. It readily healed. I have, he adds, 
much faith in the use of arsenic. — See Appendix — Article, Fistula. 

When the fistula first makes its appearance, it may be removed or 
prevented by placing a rowel or seton in each shoulder, just below the 
swelled or inflamed part which should be kept running two or three 
weeks. 

Sect. 175. 

b. — Poll-evil. — Nacken — Geschwulst. — Ger. 

The poll-evil, like the fistula, proceeds from some blow, bruise, or 
external injury, and its consequences are much to be dreaded. A 
horse thus diseased would be well sold almost at any price, though 
the cure is tolerably certain, yet extremely slow. The poll-evil is 
an abscess or swelling found in the sinews, between the noil bone 
and the uppermost vertebrae of the neck, immediately on the poll or 
nape of the neck. When this swelling first makes its appearance, 
bathe it frequently with hot vinegar ; and if the hair be fretted off 
with an oozing through the skin, make use of equal parts of vinegar 
and spirits of wine ; but if there be an itching, with heat and inflam- 
mation, the safest way will be to bleed plentifully, and apply a red 
oak poultice, which will sometimes disperse the swelling and put an 
end to the disease. But whenever the tumor is critical, having all the 
signs of matter, and appears not benefited by the applications already 



114 THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

recommended, it will be advisable to bring it to a head as speedily as 
possible, with the following poultice: corn meal, marshmallows, oil 
turpentine, and hog's lard. When the tumor becomes ripe or full of 
matter, it may be either opened or permitted to break of itself; if 
opened with a knife, great care should be used to prevent wounding 
the tendinous ligament that runs along the neck under the mane. 

When the matter appears to be on both sides, the tumors must be 
opened on both sides, and the ligament between remain undivided; if 
the matter flows in great quantities, resembling melted glue, and is of 
an oily consistence, it will require a second incision, especially if any 
cavities are discovered by the fingers or probe; these should be open- 
ed by the knife, and the wound should be dressed with spirits of tur- 
pentine, honey, and tincture of myrrh, until light and thick colored 
matter is found. Cleanse the sore well with strong soap-suds and a 
sponge; then take of verdigris, half an ounce; oil of turpentine, 
four ounces; of blue stone, two ounces; of green copperas, half an 
ounce ; mix them well together, and hold them over a fire until they 
are as hot as the horse can bear them ; then pour them into the 
abscess, and close the lips by several stitches. This is to remain for 
several days without any other dressing, except bathing with spirits 
of wine. Should matter flow in great abundance, and of thin con- 
sistency, the above application must again be repeated until the matter 
decreases in quantity, and becomes of a whitish color and healthy 
appearance. — -Mason. 

Sect. 176. 

The following is said to be a never-failing cure of this disease : 
When it is broken open, take oil of St. John's wort, pour it into 
the open abscess ; continue until the ulcer is beginning to heal ; then 
omit the use of the oil, and wash the wound with the following 
embrocation : 

No. 60. — Embrocation for poll-evil. 

Take blue vitriol, virdigris, alum, copperas, gall-nuts, of each, one 
ounce; strong vinegar, two quarts; put all these ingredients into an 
earthen crock, place it over a slow fire, until it is reduced one-third ; 
when sufficiently boiled and cool, bottle it— then apply it.- — See 
Appendix — Article, Poll-evil. 

Sect. 177. 

e. — ■Anticor—Geschumlst der Brust. — Ger. 

Those who have suffered by, or understand the nature and charac- 
ter of cynanehe tonsillaris — inflammatory quincey, may form a pretty 
correct idea of the anticor, a swelling of the horse's throat and gullet. 
This disease is noticed by Mr. Gibson, who says the cure must be 
begun by bleeding, and need not be very sparing, for this disease sel- 
dom happens to horses that are poor and low. And here we also 
approve of sticking one or other of the veins in the hind parts, to 
make revulsion. After bleeding, take two handfuls of barley; two 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 115 

ounces of sal polychrest, reduced to fine powder; boil them in two 
quarts of water, for a quarter of an hour; add to the decoction a pint 
of wine, four ounces of fresh butter, and two ounces of oil of rue. 
Let this be given blood warm, and repeated twice a day, or oftener. 
If he takes to food, nothing must be given him but moistened hay, 
and scalded bran; or whatever else, must be chiefly such things as 
are proper to keep down the heat and inflammation, and abate the 
feverish symptoms ; for which purpose we recommend, after bleeding, 
those things that are proper to promote sweat. Therefore, let the 
following drench be prepared for him : 

Take treacle water and carduus water, of each, one pint; dissolve 
in these, two ounces of Venice treacle: and after this has been given, 
clothe him well, and give him a little warm water to drink. Instead 
of the treacle and carduus water, a pint of stale beer, mixed with 
small beer, may be used. Nothing is so effectual to remove inflam- 
mation, especially after bleeding, as sweating : therefore, if you find 
it difficult to promote sweat, you may give the following ball: 

Take old Venice treacle, two ounces ; volatile salt of hartshorn, 
fifteen grains; Matthews' pill, one dram; camphor, in powder, six 
grains ; powder of licorice, or sassafras in powder, as much as is 
sufficient to make it into a paste. Let this be given after the opera- 
tion of the clyster is over. 

If the symptoms begin to abate, you may venture to give your 
horse a gentle purge. 

If the swelling appears outwards, and if the other symptoms abate, 
you may leave off purging: for what is intended by that evacuation, 
is chiefly to disperse the inward disorder. Next, you are only to 
apply ripening cataplasms, allowing him sal prunellae, nitre, or the 
sal polychrestum, dissolved in his drink. 

Cow's dung alone, applied warm to the part, with lard or ointment 
of marshmallows, may be sufficient to bring the swelling to maturity. 

When the matter seems ready for a discharge, it may be opened in 
the dependent lowermost part, by the application of a hot iron ; after- 
wards keeping a dossel in the mouth of the wound till the running 
abates; and applying compresses and convenient bandage to keep 
the elevated skin close to the flesh, that it may be the sooner united. 
But if the cavity of the imposthumation be large, it will not be amiss 
to lay it open an inch or more. 

The cure may be finished with applying only the unguentum basi- 
licum ; or a digestive made with turpentine, the yolks of eggs, or 
honey, with a moderate mixture of brandy, or spirits of wine. And 
if any foulness appears, or if it heal too fast, or if spongy soft flesh 
arise, pledgets dipped in copperas water, or a solution of blue vitriol, 
may be applied, which will keep it smooth and even. 

But if the swelling increase fast, with no tendency to digestion, 
and if it rise up towards the neck, affecting all the muscles of the 
part, the horse will be in danger of suffocation, unless a course 
different from the former be taken. 

Besides repeated bleeding, if he is not too much worn out, take a 
hot searing iron, and apply it to five or six places on the lower part 



116 THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

of the swelling, cauterizing those parts, that they may be speedily 
brought to matter, which may be dressed with flax dipped in tar and 
turpentine, mixed before the fire and applied warm. For, by giving 
pain in those dependent and inferior parts, you cause the humors to 
flow downwards from the swelling; and by making vents you pre- 
vent excessive violence of pain. Nor need you be afraid of the 
swelling that may happen in the fore-legs, &c, by cauterizing; for 
that cannot be of so ill consequence as when it is upon the neck and 
throat; nor will it be of any consequence, if care be taken of the 
vents. 

Solleysell recommends the making of small incisions with a fleam 
or lancet, in eight or ten places, on the swelling; and. to thrust into 
the holes, between the skin and the flesh, pieces of the root of black 
hellebore : and if the tumor be very large, he recommends the use of 
white hellebore ; at the same time chaffing the part with the oint- 
ments of agrippa and marshmallows. The roots, by their hot quality, 
draw down and increase the swelling; and the ointments are to ripen 
the inclosed matter, and fit it for a discharge. 

The same author also recommends the use of ruptories, for draw- 
ing an immediate flux of moisture from the diseased part. These 
are ointments of the same nature as those made to draw blisters on 
the human body, and composed of the same materials. The way to 
apply them is, to spread them by little at a time on the part affected, 
holding a bar of hot iron to make them sink in. 

Sect. 178. 

d. — Roaring— Keichen.—G ex. 

This disease, which has its seat in the larynx, the upper part of 
the wind pipe, is so called from a peculiar sound uttered by the horse, 
when briskly trotted or galloped, particularly uphill. In moderate 
exercise it is scarcely or not at all perceived, but when the animal is 
in brisk exercise it may be heard at the distance of several yards. It 
may be easily detected by striking the horse suddenly, or even threat- 
ening him with a stick, when he will utter a singular grunt or groan. 

It usually is explained as the consequence of inflammation of the 
part. A fluid, rapidly changing into a tough viscid substance, is thrown 
out, and adheres to the sides of the larynx and upper part of the wind- 
pipe, materially obstructing the passage, and sometimes running across 
it in bands. When the horse is blown, or his breathing much hurried, 
the air whistles through these obstructions. We believe this to be the 
most general cause of the disease, and a roarer is evidently unsound, 
for he is incapable of the exertion which may not only be occasionally, 
but ordinarily required of him. 

Cause.— Much light, however, has lately been thrown on other 
causes of this complaint. Many roarers have been examined after 
death, and no vestige of these bands has been found; but some have 
had the shape of the larynx and upper part of the windpipe materi- 
ally deformed, crooked, and compressed; and others have presented 
no appearance of disease. Then we have been compelled to look 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 117 

out for other causes of roaring, and some very probable ones have 
been readily found. The parts may have been subject to inflamma- 
tion, and some parts of the air-tube may have become thickened and 
inelastic. In this way the inflammation of strangles may have been 
communicated to the larynx or windpipe, followed by some alteration 
of structure. Roaring is no unusual consequence of strangles. 

A more frequent cause, and previously unsuspected, is tight reining. 
There can be no doubt that many more carriage horses become roarers, 
than those that are used for the saddle alone; and the explanation of 
this at once presents itself in the continued and painful pressure on 
these parts, caused by reining in the carriage horse, and teaching him 
to bear himself well. We have seen the larynx, and that portion of 
the windpipe immediately beneath it, flattened and bent, and twisted 
in the strangest way, which could not have been produced by disease, 
but by mechanical injury alone. The mischief is usually done with 
young horses. The arched neck and elevated head of the carriage 
horse is an unnatural position, from which the animal most habituated 
to it, is eager to be relieved. Horse-breakers, and coachmen and 
carters, should be made to understand, that when the horse's head is 
first confined by the bearing rein, great gentleness, and care, and 
caution, are necessary. Injury must be done if the throat be violently 
pressed upon, and especially when it is exposed to additional danger, 
from the impatience of the animal, unused to control, and suffering 
pain. The head of the riding horse is gradually brought to its proper 
place by the hands of the teacher, who skilfully increases or relaxes 
the pressure, and humors and plays with the mouth ; but the poor 
carriage horse is confined by a rein that never slackens, and his nose 
is bent in at the expense of the larynx and windpipe, and the injury 
is materially increased, if the head be not naturally well set on, or if 
the neck be thick, or the jaws narrow. 

The shape of the larynx and windpipe will occasionally be altered 
if they be thus squeezed between the jaws, and the bones of the neck, 
or the muscles which expand the opening into the windpipe for the 
purpose of natural breathing, and especially of quick and hurried 
breathing, will be so compressed, that they will be incapable of full 
action, and by degrees will lose the power of action, even when not 
pressed upon, and, in fact, become palsied; and therefore, the open- 
ing not being sufficiently enlarged during the rapid breathing of the 
animal, moving with speed, the air will rush violently through the 
diminished aperture, and the sound termed roaring will be produced. 

It is a common opinion that crib-biting frequently terminates in 
roaring. There is nothing in crib-biting that can possibly lead to 
roaring ; but there is a method adopted to cure crib-biting, than which 
nothing can be more likely to produce it: we mean the straps which 
are so tightly buckled round the upper part of the neck, and which 
must compress, and sometimes distort or paralyze the larynx. 

The habit of coughing a horse, to ascertain the state of his wind, 
is an occasional cause of roaring. The larynx or trachea is violently 
and painfully squeezed in this operation ; and the violence being often 
repeated, inflammation and injury may ensue. 



118 THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 

The treatment of roaring is very unsatisfactory. If we have been 
correct in our account of the nature and cause of the disease, a cure 
seems to be perfectly out of the question. If it arise from a distorted 
larynx, there is no mechanical contrivance that can restore the natural 
and perfect structure ; if from a band or ring of lymph diminishing 
the size of the passage, we know not by what means that can be re- 
moved; or if the muscles of the larynx be palsied, we know not the 
stimulus that can rouse them again to action, or the manner in which 
that stimulus is to be applied. 

Treatment. — In the early stage of the disease, whether it proceed 
from violent pressure on the part by improper curbing, or be con- 
nected with, or consequent on catarrh or strangles, or the enlargement 
of some neighboring part, inflammation will be present, and we shall 
be justified in having recourse to those measures which will abate 
inflammation. Bleeding will not be improper, if roaring is the conse- 
quence of previous disease ; it will be indispensable, if it be connected 
with present disease of the chest. The degree to which the bleed- 
ing should be carried, will depend on the degree of general or local 
inflammation. To bleeding should succeed purging, and to this, me- 
dicines that will lessen the force of the circulation — as nitre, emetic 
tartar, and digitalis. These should be followed by blisters, to remove 
the inflammation, if possible, from an internal and important part to 
the skin. The blisters may at first be confined to the upper part of 
the throat, but, if unsuccessful there, they should extend over the> 
whole length of the windpipe. In extreme cases, and where the ob- 
struction seems to threaten suffocation, we may be justified in cutting 
into the windpipe, and either introducing a tube into the opening, or 
cutting out a portion of one of the rings. This operation, however, 
should be performed by one who understands his business. It is 
called hronchotomy . By means of it, the animal will be enabled to 
breathe through an aperture below the seat of inflammation, or the 
distorted or obstructed part, and time will be given for the adoption of 
other modes of relief or cure. 

Sect. 179. 

e. — Stricture of the gullet — Zusammenziehung des Schlund. -Ger. 

The gullet or esophagus, as is well known, extends from the back 
part of the stomach, and conveys the masticated food from one to the 
other. This has, in a few instances, been strictnred by some spas- 
modic or morbid contraction, so that the food could only be swallowed 
in small quantities, and with much difficulty. If the stricture is not 
too far from the entrance above, relief may in many instances be af- 
forded, but should the stricture be near the cardiac orifice, or at the 
entrance of the stomach, there is no remedy; the efforts of the most 
skilful veterinary surgeon must fail. 

Substances have sometimes stuck in the gullet. Bran and chaff* 
swallowed greedily, or too large or hard a ball, have remained in some 
part of the gullet, and caused very alarming symptoms. The tube 
used for the hove in cattle, will sometimes dislodge this substance; 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 110 

but should this be impracticable, the gullet must be opened by a skilful 
and scientific practitioner— quacks, hands off! 

Sect, 180. 

Mr. Deigendesch, in his Ross Arzneibuch, p. 87, on the subject of 
smaller things being in the gullet, and producing swelling or tumefac- 
tion, says: "If there be presumption, or if there is a certainty, when 
the neck is swollen, that there is something (etwass) in the gullet, 
apply the following externally : dog's fat, three ounces ; and ceruse, 
one ounce; mix it well and make a salve, and grease the horse's neck 
four times a day. Having prepared the following: honey, vinegar, 
of each, one gill; one ounce of salt; mix — -then cast or throw the 
horse — -having a mop ready made of some soft substance, dip it into 
the solution, and use it as you do the tube for hove in cattle, which 
will readily remove the obstruction; this done, drench the horse with 
the liquid left. 

Sect. 181. 

C. — Diseases of the chest. 

The chest, which contains the heart and lungs, the one employed 
in circulating the blood, and the other in restoring to it the power of 
supporting life, is liable to many complex diseases. These should 
be well understood, and the remedies to remove them, because the 
value of the horse depends principally on the soundness of the organs 
in the chest and the appendages belonging to it. The diseases are 
external and internal; we include, accidents, to which the horse is 
liable. 

a. — Warbles and siffasts — Hartnseckige sattel draecke.*—Gev. 

We remarked, when speaking of the fistula and of poll-evil, that they 
proceed from blows or bruises ; the warbles, sitfasts and saddle galls, 
proceed also from bruises or irregular and violent pressure, and unless 
attended to in time, may become very troublesome tumors and ulcers. 

The little tumors resulting from the pressure of the saddle, are 
called warbles, and when they ulcerate, they frequently become 
sitfasts. 

The sitfast, if it remains for some length of time, acquires a por- 
tion of callous skin in the centre, resembling leather in appearance, 
and so closely adhering, as not to be separated without great force or 
absolute dissection, if a permanent cure is to be made. If a sitfast 
has become obstinately seated, apply the knife. Never fear a fresh 
wound; this maybe healed with the greatest ease, in a very short 
time, by using either of the following mixtures : 

No. 61. — Ointment to cure wounds. 

Take one pint of sour vinegar, and put into it one-quarter of a 
pound of litharge ; simmer it gently for several hours, stirring it 



120 the farmer's complete farrier. 

occasionally ; put it into an earthen crock, and add one pound and a- 
half of lard ; mix the whole completely ; stir it until it becomes a 
consistent salve ; then apply it warm to the wound, with a soft brush 
or sponge. 

No. 62. — Wash for sores. 

Take of brandy, half a pint ; honey, half a pint ; alum, two ounces ; 
and apply. 

No. 63. — Another wound wash. 

Take of blue stone, a quarter of an ounce ; spirits of turpentine, 
two table spoonfuls ; spring water, one pint— apply. 

No. 64. — Another wash for fresh sores. 

Take sugar of lead, half an ounce ; alum, one ounce ; copperas, 
half an ounce ; let them be well mixed, and the seat of sitfasts wash- 
ed twice a day, after the wound is washed clean with soap and 
water. 

Saddle galls are generally occasioned by the unequal pressure of a 
hard saddle. As soon as the inflamed tumors are discovered, if ap- 
plied profusely, cold water will frequently disperse and drive them 
away. Should the tumors not be discovered soon, the mixtures below, 
if applied two or three times a day, will perform a cure : 

Take sharp vinegar, one gill ; spirits of any kind, one gill ; sweet 
oil or fresh butter, one table spoonful ; to be well mixed before used ; 
or use No. 59. 

No, 65. — Embrocation. 

Take muriate of ammonia, one-half ounce ; muriatic acid, two 
drams ; water, one ounce — mix ; wash with a sponge. 

No. 66. — Astringent wash. 

Take a handful of the inner bark of white oak, and some comfrey 
root ; decoct or boil in three quarts of lye, till it is reduced one -third ; 
then take it from the fire ; filtrate it into a clean earthen crock ; add 
four ounces of alum ; let it stand till lukewarm before you apply it; 
wash the sore three times a day ; after washing the saddle gall, apply 
a mixture of like quantities of spike and stone oil. 

One of the best applications that we know for saddle galls, is 
strong salt and water, mixed with a fourth part of tincture of myrrh. 

Sect. 182. 

b, — Chest founder — Brust-Rehe. — Ger. 

This disease is sometimes confounded with anticor, (Sect. 177.) 
The true anticor and breast founder differ in some material points — 
though as to the causes, they may proceed mainly from the same ; 
but as to the seat of the disease, anticor is confined rather more to- 
wards the neck, and the other toward the chest, whence its name. 
Mason thinks the seat of this disease is in the lungs. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 121 

The muscles in the chest are accompanied with a great deal of ten- 
derness, which gives facility to contracting this singular and somewhat 
mysterious disease. The muscles occasionally swell, the horse feels 
stiff, which is by some considered the result of hoof founder; but if 
the disease is not removed, breast founder will show itself by the sen- 
sible diminution or waste of the muscles about this part of the body. 

Cause of this disease, it is believed by eminent farriers, to be pro- 
duced by suffering the horse to remain too long tied up, and exposed 
to the cold, or riding him against a very bleak wind. We think it is 
more apt to be produced by giving him cold water to drink when he 
is hot ; full feeding, thus causing a stagnation of blood, and constitu- 
ting a severe rheumatism. 

This disease is in some cases accompanied by fever ; if it is vio- 
lent, physic ; give No. 11, Sect. 133 ; or No. 4, Sect. 128 ; and bleed; 
apply warm embrocations over the parts affected ; if very obstinate a 
rowel in the chest ; warm stabling and warm clothing; give a few 
doses of a dram or two of antimonial powdery it will soon remove 
the complaint. 

No. 67. — Warm embrocation. 

Take nightshade, mugwort, camomile, celandine, of each, two 
handfuls; cut it and make a very strong decoction ; bathe the parts 
affected. 

After washing the parts, annoint with the following ointment, 
which will lend great assistance to remove all swelling and allay pain 
or stiffness. 

No. 68. — Sivelling salve. 

Take oil of white lillies, two ounces ; ceruse or white lead, one 
ounce ; rose water, or tincture of roses, one ounce ; common pow- 
der, one-half ounce; saffron, one dram ; rub the ceruse and powder 
in a mortar, mix it with the other ingredients, and apply it as soon as 
the embrocation is dried. It will be advisable to repeat the warm 
wash soon after the salve has been applied—should be repeated twice 
a day. 

Sect. 183. 

The following has proved itself an excellent remedy in chest found- 
er, especially when rheumatism has been severe. After the horse 
has been physicked, give him one pint of the following mixture every 
other day — bleed once or twice for one week. 

No. 69. — Cure for chest rheumatism. 

Take gum guaiacum, one-half ounce; fennel seed, one ounce; 
senna, four ounces ; rhubarb, pulverized, four ounces ; gamboge, 
one-half ounce ; put these ingredients into two quarts of rye whis- 
ky or brandy, and let it stand two days in the sun or on a warm 
stove, when it will be fit for use — give one pint at once. 
9 



123 THE FARMER?S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

On the day when the above drink is not given, the following should' 
be given. Give ttae foundered horse a drink made of one quart of 
strong' sassafras tea, m which one-half ounce of saltpetre, and two 
drains of asafetida have been dissolved, but do not suffer him to drink 
anything for five or six hours afterwards. Feed him on green food 
or bran mashes. 

Some writers consider chest founder to be incurable. Mason says 
4$jjfe is beyond a possibility of doubt that the chest founder is one of 
those dreadful diseases to which the horse is subject, that admits of 
no cure." 

Sect* 184. 

c, — Dropsy of slzin of the chest — *ff r &ssersucht.-—Ger. 

Dropsical swellings often appear between the fore-legs, and on the 
chest They are effusions of fluid underneath the skin. They ac- 
company various diseases, particularly when the animal is weakened 
by them, and sometimes appear when there is no other disease than 
the debility, which in the spring and fall of the year, accompanies 
the changing coat. 

The treatment is as various as the causes of the affections or the 
accompanying disease. Small punctures with the lancet will seldom 
do harm — friction- of" the part, if it can be borne, is very serviceable f 
strong lotions of Cyanne pepper have been used with good effect; mild- 
exercise should be used ; diuretics given, mixed with some cordial, 
with liberal food, as carrots, bran mashes, bruised oats, and occasion- 
ally a very mild dose of physic: No. 4, Sect. 128; and that follow- 
ed by tonics and cordials, with diuretics. The best vegetable tonics 
are gentian and Colombo with ginger : No. 32, Sect. 143. 

No. TO.— -Diuretic powders. 

Take yellow resin, powdered, four ounces ; nitre, eight ounces ; 
cremor tartar, four ounces; dose y six, eight, or ten drams nightly > 
which some horses will readily eat. 

No. 7 \. —Diuretic balls. 

Take yellow resin, one pound ; nitre, one-half pound f horse tur- 
pentine, one-half pound; yellow soap, one-quarter of a pound; 
melt the resin, soap, and turpentine over a slow fire; when cooling,, 
add the nitre. For a strong dose, an ounce and a-half ; for a mild 
one, an ounce. It should be kept in mind, that mild diuretics are al- 
ways equal to what is required ; and strong ones are generally hurtful. 

Fomentations in connection with the above treatment, have been 
found very beneficial. These are made of various herbs, such as rue, 
camomile. St. John's wort, wormwood, bay leaves, &c, but the 
principal virtue of fomentations is to be found in warmth and mois- 
ture, which unload the vessels. 

The method of applying fomentations is conveniently done by 
means of two large woolen cloths wrung out of the heated liquors ; 
as one is cooling the other should be ready to be applied. 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 1 23 

Sect. 185. 
d. — Diseases of the heart — -Harz-krankheiten. -^-Ger. 

The heart is placed between a doubling of the pleura, and is like* 
wise surrounded by a membrane or bag of its own, called the pericar- 
dium about the heart. When the pericardium or the heart itself 
becomes inflamed, its secretions are much increased-; and so much fluid 
accumulates as to obstruct the beating of the heart* This disease is 
called dropsy of the heart. It is not easily distinguished from inflam* 
mation of the lungs ; but this is a matter of little consequence, for the 
treatment would be nearly the same in both. 

The heart is the engine by which the blood is circulated through 
the. frame. It is composed of four cavities, two above called auricles, 
from their supposed resemblance to a dog's ear, and two ventricles or 
little bellies, occupying the substance of the heart. The blood which 
has circulated through the frame, and nourished it, returns to the heart 
through the veins. It enters the auricle on the right side, where it 
accumulates as in a reservoir, until there is enough to fill the ventricle 
below. The auricle then contracts, and thro_ws the blood into the ven- 
tricle. That contracts in its turn, and drives the- -blood, not back again, 
into the auricle, for there is as complete a valve as that .in the sucker 
of a pump to prevent this, but through an aperture that leads to the lungs. 
The blood traverses, as we shall presently see, all the little vessels 
and cells of the lungs, and undergoes an important change there, and 
is carried to the left auricle; thence it descends to the left ventricle, 
a"d by the powerful closing of the ventricle:,- if -propelled into the ar- 
teries. The first artery, the aorta, rises from the left ventricle, and 
the blood, by the force communicated to it, by the sudden contraction 
of the ventricle and assisted by the elastic power of the arteries 
which keeps them open and free from obstruction, and also by the 
pressure of the muscular and elastic coats, endeavoring to return to 
their former dimensions, pursues its course through every part of the 
frame 

The heart is subject to disease. It powerfully sympathizes with 
the maladies of every part. An injury of the foot will speedily dou- 
ble the quickness of the beating of the pulsations of the heart. It 
sometimes is inflamed, without previous affection of any other part. 
This is not a frequent, but a most dangerous disease, and is character- 
ized by a pulse quick and strong, and a bounding action of the heart 
that may occasionally be seen at the side, and even heard at the dis- 
tance of several yards. There is also a peculiar alertness and quick- 
ness in every motion of the animal ; and an energy of expression in 
the countenance exceedingly remarkable. Speedy and copious blood- 
letting will alone avail to save the horse; for the heart, over excited 
and called on to perform this double work, must soon be exhausted. 

Oardialgy, Herzgesperr of our German authors, is not strictly a 
disease of the heart. It arises in most instances from the worms or 
bots gnawing and vellicating the coats of the stomach. When the 
horse is affected with this disease, if it may be called such, heaves 



124 

greatly, and sweats profusely. Dr. Winters recommends purgatives* 
as No. 4, Sect. 128, or the following: asafetida, one-half ounce ; salt- 
petre, one ounce; honey, two ounces ; wine and vinegar, of each, one 
pint; mixed — drench the horse ; give all at one time. 

Or give the following: mustard, asafetida, of each, one dram; 
honey, four ounces ; water and vinegar, of each, one pint; mixed- 
drenched. 

Sect. 186, 

e. — Inflammation — Entzuendung. — Ger. 

Local inflammation is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and 
pain. The redness proceeds from the increased quantity of blood 
flowing through the part, occasioned by the increased action of the 
vessels. The swelling arises from the same cause, and from the de- 
posit of the fluid in the neighboring substance. The natural heat of 
the body is produced by the gradual change which takes place in the 
blood, in passing from an arterial to a venous state. If more blood 
be driven through the capillaries of an inflamed part, and in which 
this change is effected, more heat will necessarily be produced there ; 
and the pain is easily accounted for, by the distension and pressure 
which must be produced, and the participation of the nerves in the 
disturbance of the surrounding parts. 

Treatment, — If inflammation consist of increased flow of blood to 
and through the part, the ready way to abate the inflammation is to 
lessen the quantity of blood. If we take away the fuel, the fire will 
go out. All other means are comparatively unimportant, compared 
with bleeding. Blood may be taken from the jugular, and so the 
general quantity may be lessened; but if it can be taken from the 
neighborhood of the part, it will be productive of tenfold benefit.-— 
One quart of blood taken from the foot in acute founder, by unload- 
ing the vessels of the inflamed part, and enabling them to contract, 
and, in that contraction, to acquire tone and power to resist future 
distension, will do more good than five quarts taken from the general 
circulation. An ounce of blood obtained by scarifying the swelled 
vessels of the inflamed eye, will give as much relief as a copious 
bleeding from the jugular. It is a principle in the animal frame 
which should never be lost sight of by the veterinary surgeon, or the 
horseman, that if by bleeding, the process of inflammation can once 
be checked — if it can be suspended but for a little while — although it 
may return, it never returns with the same degree of violence, and in 
many cases it is got rid of at once. Hence the necessity of bleeding 
early, and bleeding largely, in inflammation of the lungs, or of the 
bowels, or of the brain, or of any important organ. Many horses 
are lost for want of bleeding, or from insufficient bleeding, but we 
never knew one materially injured by the most copious abstraction 
of blood in the early stage of acute inflammation. The horse will 
bear, and with advantage, the loss of an almost incredible quantity of 
blood. Four quarts taken from him, will be comparatively little more 
than one pound taken from the human being. We can scarcely con- 

/ 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 125 

ceive a considerable inflammation of any part of the horse, either 
proceeding from sprains, contusions, or any other cause, in which 
bleeding-, local (if possible) or general, or both, will not be of essen- 
tial service. 

Next in importance to bleeding is purging. Something may be 
removed from the bowels, the retention of which would increase the 
general irritation and fever — the blood will be materially lessened, for 
the quantity of serous or watery fluid which is separated from it by 
a brisk purge, the action of which in the horse continues probably 
for more than twenty-four hours, is enormous, and while the blood is 
thus determined to the bowels, less even of that which remains will 
flow through the inflamed part. When the circulation is directed to 
one set of vessels, it is proportionably diminished in other parts. It 
was first directed to the inflamed parts, and they were overloaded and 
injured ; it is now directed to the bowels, and the inflamed parts are 
relieved. While the purging continues, there is also some degree of 
languor and sickness felt, and the force of the circulation is thereby 
diminished, and the general excitement lessened. The farmer will, 
therefore, see the importance of physic in every case of considerable 
external inflammation. If the horse is laid by for a few days from 
injury of the foot, or sprain, or poll-evil, or wound, or almost any 
cause of inflammation, a physic ball should be given. 

In cases of internal inflammation, much judgment is required to 
determine when a purgative may be beneficial or injurious. In in- 
flammation of the lungs or bowels it should never be given. There 
is so strong a sympathy between the various contents of the cavity of 
the chest, that no one of them can be inflamed to any great extent, 
without all the others being disposed to become inflamed ; and, there- 
fore, a dose of physic in inflamed lungs would be frequently as fatal 
as a dose of poison. The excitement produced on the bowels by the 
purgative will soon run on to inflammation, which no medical skill 
can stop. 

The means of abating external inflammation are various and seem- 
ingly contradictory. The heat of the part very naturally and pro- 
perly led to the application of cold embrocations and lotions. Heat 
has a strong tendency to equalize itself, or to leave that substance 
which has a too great quantity of it, or little capacity to retain it, for 
another which has less of it, or more capacity to retain it. Hence 
the advantage of cold applications, by which a great deal of unnatu- 
ral heat is speedily taken away from the inflamed part. The foot 
laboring under inflammation is put into cold water; or the horse is 
made to stand in water or wet clay, and various cold applications are 
used to sprains. The part is wetted with diluted vinegar or goulard, 
or salt and water. We believe that when benefit is derived from 
these applications, it is to be attributed to their coldness alone, and that 
water, and when especially cooled below the natural temperature, is 
quit? as good as any thing else. An ounce of nitre, dissolved in a 
pint of water, will lower the temperature of the fluid many degrees; 
but the lotion must be applied immediately after the salt has been dis- 
solved, and it should be applied in such a way that the inflamed part 



126 the farmer's complete farrier, 

may be fully exposed to the process of evaporation. While the fluid 
is converted into vapor, by the heat of the skin, a considerable decree 
of cold is produced. Let the limb or the part have the full benefit of 
this, by being uncovered. A bandage may be afterwards applied to 
strengthen the limb, but during the continuance of active inflamma- 
tion it will only confine the heat of the part, or prevent the pan from 
benefiting by the salutary influence of the cold produced by the 
evaporation of the water. 

Sometimes, however, we resort to warm fomentations, and if 
benefit be derived from their use, it is to be traced to the warmth of 
the fluid, and not to any medical property in it; and warm water will 
do as much good to the horse who has so thick a skin, as a decoction 
of camomile, or marshmallow, or even of poppy heads, or any 
nostrum that the farrier may recommend. Fomentations increase the 
warmth of the skin, and open the pores of it, and promote perspira- 
tion, and so lesson the tension and swelling of the part, assuage pain y 
and relieve inflammation. Fomentations, to be useful, should be 
long and frequently employed, and at as great a degree of heat as can 
be used without giving the animal pain. Poultices are nothing but 
more permanent, or longer continued fomentations. The part is ex- 
posed to the influence of warmth and moisture for many hours or 
days without intermission, and perspiration being so long kept up, 
the distended vessels will be very materially relieved. The advan- 
tage derived from a poultice is attributed to the heat and moisture, 
which, by means of it, can be long applied to the skin, and it should 
be composed of materials which will best afford this heat and mois- 
ture. The bran poultice of the farrier will therefore be objectionable. 
It is never perfectly in contact with the surface of the skin, and it 
be o nes nearly dry in a few hours, and then is injurious. Linseed 
meal is a much better material for a poultice ; it will remain moist for 
twenty-four hours. The poultice is easily made by pouring hot 
water on the meal, a little at a time, and moulding it well with the 
Irand until the cataplasm attains its proper consistence. 

It is often very difficult to decide when a cold or hot application is 
to be used, and no general rule can be laid down, except that in eases 
of superficial inflammation, and in the early stage, cold lotions will 
be preferable; but when the inflammation is deeper seated, or fully 
established, warm fomentations may be most serviceable. 

Stimulating applications are frequently used in local inflammation. 
When the inflammation is deeply seated, a stimulating application to 
the skin will cause some irritation and inflammation there, and lessen 
or sometimes remove the original one, hence the use of rowels and 
blisters in inflammation of the chest. Inflammation to a high degree 
cannot, exist in parts so near to each other. If we excite it in one, 
we shall abate it in the other, and also by the discharge which we 
establish from the one, we shall lessen the determination of blood to 
the other. 

With one caution, we will dismiss this part of our subject; stimu- 
lating and blistering applications should never be applied to a part 
already inflamed. We shall not put out a fire by heaping more fuel 



THE TAMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 127 

«upon it Hence the mischief which the farrier often does by rubbing 
his abominable oils on a recent sprain, hot and tender. Many a 
horse has been ruined by this absurd treatment. When the heat and 
tenderness have disappeared by the use of cold lotions or fomenta- 
tions, and the leg or sprained part remains enlarged, or even bony 
matter threatens to be deposited, we may be justifled in exciting in- 
flammation of the skin by a blister, in order to rouse the deeper 
seated absorbents to action, and enable them to take up this deposit; 
but we would again state it as a principle that, except to hasten the 
natural process and effects of inflammation, a blister, or stimulating 
application, should, in the treatment of the horse, never be applied to 
a part already inflamed. 

SecL 187. 

e. — Fever — Fieber. — Ger. 

Fever is general increased arterial action, either without any local 
affection, or in consequence of the sympathy of the system with 
inflammation in some particular part. 

Idiopathic, or pure fever. — Some have denied that it exists in the 
horse, but they must have been strangely careless observers of ihe 
diseases of that animal.* The truth of the matter is, trrat the usual 
stable management and general treatment of the horse are so absurd, 
that various parts of him are rendered so liable to take on inflamma- 
tion, that pure fever will exist but a very little time without degene- 
rating into inflammation of these parts. The lungs are so weakened 
by the heated and foul air of the ill-ventilated stable, and by sudden 
changes from almost insufferable heat to intense cold; and the feet are 
so injured by hard usage and injudicious shoeing, that, sharing from 
the beginning in the general vascular excitement which characterizes 
fever, they soon become excited far beyond other portions of the 
frame; and that which commenced as fever becomes inflammation of 
the lungs or feet. Pure fever, however, is sometimes seen, and runs 
its course as fever. 

Symptoms. — It begins frequently with a cold, shivering fit, although 
this is not-essential to fever. The horse is dull, unwilling to move, 
with a staring coat, and cold legs and feet. This is succeeded by 
warmth of the body ; unequal distribution of warmth to the legs ; one 
hot, and the other three cold, or some unnaturally warm, and others 
unusually cold, although not the deathy coldness of inflammation of 
-the lungs ; the pulse quick, soft, and often indistinct; breathing some- 
what laborious ; but no cough, or pawing, or looking at the flanks.— 

*The airhor of the Farmer' l s Receipt Book, l>y Fiak & Chase of Bost-m, says : 
"the horse is not subject lo fever, i. e. he has no simple, idiopaihic fever, nocoJd, hni 
and sweating :-ta^e. as man has. The feverish action, which the heart and arteries 
of the horse sometimes assume is sympathetic, (symptomatic,) and is always pre- 
ceded by local ^flection- It is a disease of irritation." White contends for idiopa- 
thic fever. — White's Farrhr, page 19-21. 

" When doctors disagree, 
Then compilers are free." — Comp* 



128 the farmer's complete farrierv 

The animal will scarcely eat, and is very costive. While the state 
of pure fever lasts, the shivering fit returns at nearly the same hour 
every day, and is succeeded by the warm one, and that often by a very 
slight sweating one; and this goes on for several days until local in- 
flammation appears, or the fever gradually subsides. No horse ever 
died of pure fever; if he is not destroyed by inflammation of the 
lungs, or feet,, or bowels, succeeding to the fever, he gradually re- 
covers. 

What we have said of the treatment of inflammation will sufficient- 
ly indicate that which we should recommend in fever. Fever is ; 
generally increased action of the heart and arteries, and therefore evi- 
dently appears the necessity for bleeding, regulating the quantity of 
blood taken by the degree of fever, and usually continuing to take it 
(the finger being kept on the artery) until some impression is made 
upon the system. The bowels should be gently opened, but the 
danger of inflammation of the lungs, and the uniformly injurious 
consequence of purgation in that disease, will prevent the administra- 
tion of an active purgative. One dram and a-half of aloes may be 
given morning and night with the proper fever medicine, until the 
bowels are slightly relaxed, after which nothing more of an aperient 
quality should be administered. Digitalis, emetic tartar, and nitre, 
should be given morning and night, in proportions regulated by the 
circumstances of the case, and these should give way to white helle- 
bore in doses of half a dram twice in the day, if symptoms of inflam- 
mation of the lungs should appear. The horse should be warmly 
clothed, but be placed in a cool and well ventilated stable. 

Symptomatic fever is generally increased arterial action, proceeding 
from some local cause. No organ of consequence can be long dis- 
ordered or inflamed without the neighboring parts being disturbed, 
and the whole system gradually participating in the disturbance. 
Inflammation of the feet or of the lungs never existed long as to any 
material extent, without being accompanied by some degree of fever. 

Treatment. — The treatment of symptomatic fever should resem- 
ble that of simple fever, except that particular attention should be 
paid to the state of the part originally diseased. If the inflammation 
which existed there can be subdued, the general disturbance will 
usually cease. 

Depletion should be first attended to, and if the horse be costive,, 
give a pint of olive or castor oil, and let a clyster of warm water 
gruel be injected. 

The following laxative drink has been found very useful in febrile 
diseases : 

No. 72. — Laxative drink. 

Take Barbadoes aloes, powdered, three drams ; prepared kali, 
one and a quarter dram ; castor oil, five ounces; simple mint water, 
and pure water, of each, four ounces ; mix for one dose. 

After the operation of the laxative, the fever powder is to be given: 
once in twelve hours,. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 129 

No. 73. — Fever powders. 
Take tartar emetic, two drams ; nitre, five drams. 

No. 74, 
Take antimonial powder, two drams; cremor tartar, and nitre, of 



each, four drams. 



No. 75. 



Take antimonial powder, three drams; camphor, one dram. The 
following fever drink should be given once every other day : 

No. 76. — Fever drink. 

Take sweet spirits of nitre, one ounce ; minderuses spirit, six 
ounces ; water, four ounces. In epidemic fever give : 

No. 77. — Epidemic fever drink. 

Take sweet spirits of nitre, one ounce ; simple oxymel, six 
ounces ; tartar emetic, three drams. Or give : 

No. 78. — Malignant epidemic fever drink. 

Take simple oxymel, minderuses spirit, yeast, of each, four ounces ; 
sweet spirit of nitre, one ounce. 

Sect. 188. 

f. — Bog and blood-spavin — Sumpfiind Blutspath. — Ger. 

The veins of the horse, although their coats are thin compared with 
those of the arteries, are not subject to the enlargements (varicose 
veins) which are so frequent, and often so painful, in the legs of the 
human being. The legs of the horse may exhibit many of the inju- 
rious consequences of hard work, but the veins will, with one excep- 
tion, be unaltered in structure. Attached to the extremities of most 
of the tendons, and between the tendons and other parts, are little 
bags containing a mucous substance to enable the tendons to slide 
over each other without friction, and to move easily on the neighbor- 
ing parts. From violent exercise these little bags are liable to enlarge. 
Windgalls and thorough pins are instances of this. There is one of 
them on the inside of the hock at its bending: this sometimes be- 
comes considerably increased in size, and the enlargement is called a 
bog-spavin. A vein passes over this bag, which is pressed between 
the enlargement and the skin, and the passage of the blood through 
it is impeded ; the vein is consequently distended by the accumulated 
blood, and the distension reaches from this bag as low down as the 
next valve. This is called a blood-spavin. Blood-spavin then is the 
consequence of bog-spavin. It very rarely occurs, and is, in the ma- 
jority of instances, confounded with bog-spavin. 

Blood-spavin does not always cause lameness, except the horse is 
very hard worked, and then it is doubtful whether the lameness should 
not be attributed to the enlarged mucous bag rather than to the distend- 



130 the farmer's complete farrier. 

ed vein. Both of these diseases, however, render a horse unsound, 
and materially lessen his value. 

Old farriers used to tie the vein, and so cut. off altogether the flow 
of the blood. Some of them, a little more rational, used to dissect 
out the bag which caused the distension of the vein : but the modern 
and more prudent way is to endeavor to promote the absorption of 
the contents of the bag. This may be attempted by pressure long 
applied. A bandage may be contrived to take in the whole of the 
hock except its point; and a compress made of folded linen being 
placed on the bog-spavin, may confine the principal pressure to that 
part. It is, however, very difficult to adapt a bandage to a joint 
which admits of such extensive motion; therefore most practitioners 
apply two or three successive blisters over the enlargement, when it 
usually disappears ; but unfortunately it returns again if any extraor- 
dinary exertion is required from the horse. 

We shall add an extract from a communication, or article written 
by Dr. Bracken. 

The doctor says a bog-spavin is an ineysted tumor on the inside of 
the hough ; a collection of brownish gelatinous matter, contained in 
a bag or cyst, which he thinks to be lubricating matter of the joint 
altered, the common membrane that encloses it, forming the cyst 
This ease he has taken great pains to illustrate in a young colt of his 
own, Where, he says, when the spavin was pressed hard on the in- 
side of the hough, there was a small tumor on the outside, which 
convinced him the fluid was within side of the joint. He says, that 
he cut into it, discharged a large quantity of gelatinous matter; he 
dressed the sore with dossils dipped in oil of turpentine, putting into 
it, once in three or four days, a powder made of calcined vitriol, 
alum, and bole. By this method of dressing, the bog sloughed off, 
and came away, and the cure was successfully completed without 
any visible scar. 

Dr. Winters, among many other cures, recommends the following : 
Cauterize with a heated iron, afterwards apply the following compo- 
sition : 

No. 79. — To cure spavin. 

Take honey, one-half a pound ; vitriol, one and a-half ounces ; 
alum, verdigris, of each, one and a-half ounce ; vinegar, of the best, 
one pint- — mixed, and applied. 

Sect. 189. 

g. — Diseases of the lungs — Lun gen-Beschwerde. — Ger. 

The lungs, on account of the office which they discharge, are very 
Important; and perhaps there is no organ of importance in the horse 
that is more liable of being disordered than the lungs. We shall 
here present the reader a well written article from the pen of Mr. 
Barnum, on the disorders of the lungs : add a few remarks of our 
own, and conclude with an extract or two from Winters. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 131 

Inflammation of the lungs — Lungen-Entziindung.< — Ger. 

There is no animal among all those subdued that previous to his 
breaking in, is so free from disease as the horse; there is no animal 
which, after he has been enlisted in our service, is so liable to disease, 
and especially at the lungs. How do we account for this ? Few 
things can be more injurious to the delicate membrane that lines the 
cells of the lungs, than the sudden change from heat to cold to which, 
under the usual stable management, the horse is subject. In the 
spring and autumn, the temperature or heat of most stables is several 
degrees higher than that of the open air; in winter it is frequently 
more than thirty degrees. The necessary effect of this must be to 
weaken and exhaust the energies of the parts most exposed to the 
influence of these changes, and they are the lungs. It is, however, 
not only heated but empoisoned air that the horse respires; compos- 
ed of his own contaminated breath, and of vapours from his dung, 
and particularly from his urine, strongly impregnated with hartshorn, 
painful to the eyes and irritating to the chest. — See Chap. X. 

There is likewise an intimate connexion between the lungs and the 
functions of the skin. When the insensible perspiration is suddenly 
stopped, cold and cough are the first consequences. What must in- 
evitably happen to the horse that stands, twenty hours out of the four 
and twenty, in a heated atmosphere, and stands there warmly cloth- 
ed, and every pore of his skin opened, and the insensible perspira- 
tion, and the sensible too, profusely pouring out, and then, with his 
coat stripped from his back, is turned shivering into a nipping win- 
ter's air? The discharge from the skin is at once arrested, and the 
revulsion, or pernicious effect of the sudden stoppage of a natural 
evacuation, falls on the lungs, too much weakened, and disposed to 
inflammation by heated air and poisonous fumes. 

These simple observations are pregnant with interest and instruc- 
tion to all connected with horses. He who would have bis stud free 
from disease, and especially disease of the lungs, must pursue two 
objects, coolness and cleanliness. In the gentleman's stable, the first 
of these is studiously avoided, from the prejudice or the idleness of 
the groom, and from these stables proceed most of the cases of in- 
flamed lungs; especially when' this heat is combined with that tem- 
porary but mischievous nuisance,\the repeated breathing of the same 
air during the night, and that air -more vitiated by the fumes of the 
dung and urine. In the stables of the post-rider, where not only 
closeness and heat, but the filth that, would not be endured in a gen- 
tleman's establishment, are found, both inflammation of the lungs and 
glanders prevail; and in the stables of many agriculturists, cool enough 
from the poverty or the carelessness of the owner, but choked with 
filth, inflammation of the lungs is seldom seen, but mange, glanders, 
and farcy abound. 

Symptoms: — Inflammation of the substance of the lungs is some- 
times sudden in its attack, but generally preceded by symptoms of 
fever. The pulse is occasionally not much increased in frequency, 
but oppressed and indistinct; the artery is plainly to be felt under 



132 the farmer's complete farrier. 

the finger, and of its usual size, but the pulse no longer indicates the 
expansion of the vessel, as it yields to the gush of blood, and its con- 
traction when the blood has passed ; it is rather a vibration or thrill, 
communicated to a fluid already over-distending the artery ; in a few 
cases, even this almost eludes the most delicate touch, and scarcely any 
pulsation is to be detected. The extremities are cold; the nostril is 
expanded ; the head thrust out, and the flanks begin to heave. There 
is a peculiarity in the working of the flank. It is not the deep labori- 
ous breathing of fever, nor the irregular beating of the broken wind, 
in which the air appears to be drawn in by one effort, while two seem 
to be necessary to expel it; but it is a quick hurried motion, evidently 
expressive of pain, and of inability to complete the action, on account 
of the pain, or of some mechanical obstruction. The membrane of 
the nose is of an intensely florid red — more vivid in the inside corners 
of the nostrils, and remaining concentrated there, if at times it should 
seem to fade away higher up. The countenance is singularly anxious, 
and indicative of suffering, and many a mournful look. is directed at 
the flanks. The horse stands in a singular manner, stiff, with his 
fore -legs abroad, that the chest may be expanded as much as possible, 
and he is unwilling to move, lest for a moment he should lose the 
assistance of the muscles of the arms and shoulders, in producing 
that expansion; and. for the same reason, he obstinately stands up 
day after day, and night after night; or if he lies down from absolute 
fatigue, it is but for a moment. 

In many instances, however, the approach of the disease is very 
treacherous, and the most careful practitioner may be deceived. The 
groom may perceive that the horse is somewhat off his feed, and dull, 
but he pays little attention to it; or if it arrests his notice, he only 
finds that the coat stares a little, that the legs are colder than usual, 
and the breathing in a slight degree quickened and shortened. In 
other cases, the symptoms are those of common fever, catarrh, or dis- 
temper; and the characteristics of true inflammation of the lungs 
appear late and unexpectedly. The cold leg and ear, the quickened, 
not deepened inspiration, the disinclination to lie down, and the 
anxious countenance, will always alarm the experienced observer. 

Whatever may be the state of the pulse at first, it soon becomes 
oppressed, irregular, indistinct, and at length almost imperceptible. 
The heart is laboring in vain to push on the column of blood with 
which the vessels are distended, and the flow of which is obstructed 
by the clogged-up passages of the lungs. The legs and ears, which 
were cold before, become more intensely so— it is a clayey, deathy 
coldness. The mouth soon participates in it, and the breath too.-— - 
The bright red of the nostril fades away, or darkens to a livid purple. 
The animal grinds his teeth. He still persists in standing, although 
he often staggers and almost falls ; at length he drops, and after a few 
struggles dies. 

Sect. 190. 

The duration of the disease is singularly uncertain. It will 
occasionally destroy in less than twenty-four hours, and then the 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 133 

lungs present one confused and disorganized mass of blackness, and 
would lead the inexperienced person to imagine that long inflamma- 
tion had gradually so completely broken down the substance of the 
lungs. Such a horse is said to die rotten, and many attempts have 
been made to prove that he must have been unsound for a great while, 
and probably before he came into his last owner's possession, and 
some expensive law suits have been instituted on this ground. Let 
our readers, however, be assured, that this black, decomposed appear- 
ance of the lungs proves no disease of long standing, but inflammation 
intense in its nature, and that has very speedily run its course. The 
horse has died from suffocation, every portion of the lungs being 
choked up with this black blood, which has even broken into and 
filled all the air-cells by means of which it should have been purified. 

More frequently the disease lasts a little longer. The lungs are 
sufficiently pervious for some blood to be transmitted; but the inflam- 
mation is too great to be subdued, or proper means have not been 
taken to subdue it; and it runs its usual course, and proceeds to actual 
mortification, and the lungs are found not only black, but putrid.—- 
This, too, would prove recent and violent inflammation, and not any 
old and unsuspected disease. This termination would be indicated, 
a day or two before the death of the animal, by the stinking breath, 
and the offensive discharge from the nose. 

A frequent, and to the practitioner and the owner, a most annoying 
termination of inflammation of the lungs, is dropsy in the chest. — 
The disease seems to be subdued; the horse is more lively; his appe- 
tite returns; his legs and ears become warm; and those about him 
are deceived into the belief that he is doing well : nay, the most skilful 
surgeon is sometimes deceived. The anxiety to save his patient 
makes him hope the best, although the coat continues unhealthy, 
there is a yellow discharge from the nostrils, the pulse irregular, and 
the horse is frightened if suddenly moved, and especially if his head 
be considerably raised in the act of drenching, and he rarely or never 
lies down. Many days or some weeks will pass on, with these con- 
tradictory and unsatisfactory appearances; and a judgment of the 
result can only be formed by balancing them against each other. At 
length the patient shivers, the old symptoms return, and he very soon 
dies. On opening him, both sides of the chest are found nearly filled 
with fluid, impeding the pulsation of the heart, and the expansion of 
the lungs, and destroying the horse by suffocation. 

Although the life of the horse may be saved, the consequences of 
inflammation of the lungs may often materially lessen, or even destroy 
the usefulness of the animal. As in many external inflammations 
considerable thickening of the part long remains, so a deposite of the 
coagulable portion of the blood may be left in the substance of the 
lungs, occupying the place of many of the air-cells, and preventing 
the contraction and closing of others. This produces the peculiarity 
of breathing, almost incompatible with speed or continuance, called 
thick wind; and frequently precedes broken wind, when, from the 
violent action of the lungs, and that action thus impeded by the ob- 
struction we have described, some of the air-cells become ruptured. 



134 THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 

Too frequently, considerable irritability remains in the membrane 
lining the air-cells, and in other portions of the air-passages, and a 
cough is established, which, from its continuance, and the difficulty 
of its removal, is called chronic cough. We have already considered 
inflammation of the lungs, as one of the causes of roaring. — See 
Sect. 178. 

Sect. 191. 

Treatment. — The treatment of inflammation of the lungs must 
evidently be of the most decisive kind. We have to struggle with a 
disease intense in its character, and we must attempt radically to cure, 
and not merely to palliate it. We must look to the future usefulness 
of the horse, and not to the possibility of his being enabled to drag 
on an existence almost uncomfortable to himself. Supposing the at- 
tack to have just commenced, the horse should be bled, not only 
until the pulse begins to rise, but until it afterwards begins to flutter 
or to stop, or the animal is evidently faint. The effect of the bleed- 
in , and not the quantity of the blood taken, should be regarded; for 
ih inflammation being subdued, the lost blood will soon be supplied 
again. This is one of the cases in which it is absolutely necessary 
that tne surgeon, or the owner, should stand by with his finger on the 
guise, and mark the effect that is produced. If, six hours afterwards, 
tlu lorse continues to stand stiff, and heaves as quickly and as labo- 
riously as before, and the legs are as intensely cold, and the mem- 
bi me of the nose as red, the bleeding should be repeated, until the 
same effect again follows. In the majority of cases the inflammation 
will be now subdued. A third bleeding may, however, sometimes be 
m tssary, but must not be carried to the same extent, for it is possi- 
bl by too great evacuation of blood, to subdue not merely the disease, 
but the powers of nature. If, after this, the legs become cold, and 
the heaving returns, and the membrane of the nose reddens, and the 
h< J persists in standing, bleedings to the extent of two or three 
quarts will be advisable, to prevent the re-establishment of the disease. 
In all these bleedings, let not the necessity of a broad shouldered fleam 
or lancet, and a full stream of blood be forgotten. These are circum- 
: )S of far more importance than is generally imagined. The 
appearance of the blood will be some guide in our treatment of the 
e; . The thickness of the adhesive buffy, yellow colored coat, 
w ch in a few hours will appear on it, will mark with some degree 
of ••curacy, the extent of the inflammation. Not regardless of the 
appearance of the blood, but not putting too much faith in it, we must 
look to the horse to determine how far that inflammation may have 
been diminished, or a repetition of ihe bleeding be necessary. 

When the bleeding has evidently taken effect, we must consider by 
wl means we may further abate, or prevent the return of the in- 
fla nation. We should blister the whole of the brisket, and the 
34* high up as the elbows. Blisters are far preferable to rowels, 
I act on a more extensive surface ; they produce a great deal 

m. e inflammation; and they are speedier in their action. 



135 

To ensure the full operation of the blister, the hair must be closely- 
shaved, and an ointment composed of one part of powdered Spanish 
flies, and four of lard and one of resin, well rubbed in. The lard 
and the resin should be melted together, and the powdered flies 
afterwards added. 

Sect. 192. 

To form a rowel, the skin is raised between the finger and thumb, 
and, with a lancet, or with scissors contrived for the purpose, a slit is 
cut an inch in length. Into this a piece of tow is inserted, sufficient 
to fill it, and previously smeared with blister ointment. This causes 
considerable inflammation and discharge. If a little of the tow be 
left sticking out of the incision, the discharge will conveniently dribble 
down it. The tow should be changed every day, with or without the 
ointment, according to the action of the rowel, or the urgency of the 
case. The large piece of stiff leather, with a hole in its centre, used 
by the farrier, is objectionable, as not being easily changed, and fre- 
quently, in the extraction of it, tearing the skin so as to cause a lasting 
blemish. 

The blister sometimes will not rise. It will not when the inflam- 
mation of the chest is at its greatest intensity ; too much action is 
going on there, for any to be excited elsewhere. The blister oc- 
casionally will not act in the later stages of the diseaae, because the 
powers of nature are exhausted. It is always a most unfavorable 
symptom when the blisters or the rowels do not take effect. The best 
time for the application of the blister, is when the inflammation is 
somewhat subdued by the bleeding; and then by the irritation which 
it excites, and in a part so near the original seat of disease, the inflam- 
mation of the chest is either abated or transferred to the skin ; for, it 
is an important law of nature, that no two violent actions of different 
kinds can take place in the frame at the same time. 

Sect. 193. 

Next comes the aid of medicine. If the patient was a human 
being, the surgeon would immediately purge him. We must not do 
this; for from sympathy between the bowels and the lungs in the 
horse, we should either produce a fatal extension of inflammation, or 
a transferring of it in a more violent form, and the horse would as- 
suredly die. We must back-rake, administer clysters, or perhaps 
give eight ounces of epsom salts, dissolved in warm gruel. No cas- 
tor oil must be given. It may be a mild and safe aperient for the 
human being: it is a very dangerous one for the horse. 

Having a little relaxed the bowels, we eagerly turn to cooling or 
sedative medicines. The farrier gives his cordial to support the ani- 
mal, and prevent rottenness. He adds fuel to the fire, and no wonder 
that the edifice is frequently destroyed. Nitre, digitalis, and emetic 
tartar, should be given in the doses already recommended, and per- 
sisted in until an intermittent state of the pulse is produced. Many 
practitioners give hellebore in doses of half a dram, or two scruples, 



136 the farmer's complete farrier. 

every six or eight hours, and they say with considerable advantage. 
It is continued until the horse hangs his head, and saliva drivels from 
his mouth, and he becomes half stupid, and half delirious. These 
symptoms pass over in a few hours, and the inflammation of the chest 
is found to be abated. If it be so, it is on the principle of the blister: 
the determination of blood to the head, and the temporary excitement 
of the brain or its membranes, divert the inflammation or a portion of 
it, from its original seat, and give time for the parts somewhat to re- 
cover their tone. We confess that we prefer the digitalis, emetic tar- 
tar, and nitre: they considerably lower the pulse, and are safe. 

It is of importance that we determine the blood, or a portion of it, 
from the inflamed and over-distended part to some other region. On 
this principle we warmly clothe the horse laboring under this disease, 
that we may cause the blood to circulate freely through the vessels of 
the skin, and that we may keep up the insensible perspiration, and 
perhaps produce some sweating. But do Ave put the horse in a warm 
place? No ; for then we should bring the heated and poisoned air in 
contact with the inflamed lungs, and increase the excitement, already 
too great. It is an absurd practice to shut up every door and window, 
and exclude, if possible, every breath of air ; rather let every door 
and window be thrown open, and let pure and cold air find access to 
these heated parts. It is interesting to see how eagerly the horse 
avails himself of the relief which this affords him. If no direct draft 
blows upon him, he can scarcely be placed in too cool a stall or stable. 

Now and then the whole skin of the horse may be rubbed with the 
brush, if it does not tease and worry him ; but it is indispensable that 
the legs should be frequently and well hand-rubbed to restore the cir- 
culation in them, and they should be covered with thick flannel 
bandages. As to food, we do not want him to take any at first, and 
most certainly the horse should not be coaxed to eat. A very small 
quantity of hay may be given to amuse him, or a cold mash, or green 
meat, (food,) but not a particle of corn. 

In eight-and-forty hours the fate of the patient will generally be 
decided. If there be no remission of symptoms, the inflammation 
will run on to congestion of the lungs, and consequent suffocation, or 
to gangrene. We must, in this case, give the medicines more fre- 
quently ; repeat the blister ; bleed if the state of the animal will bear 
it ; and rub the legs or even scald them. If the strength now rapidly 
declines, the horse may be drenched with gruel, and tonic medicine 
may be tried, as camomile at first, and, this not recalling or increas- 
ing the fever, a little ginger and gentian may be added. 

Should the heaving gradually subside, and the legs get warm, and 
the horse lie down, and the inflammation be apparently subsiding, let 
not the owner or the practitioner be in too great haste to get the ani- 
mal well. Nature will slowly, but surely and safely, restore the 
appetite and strength ; and it is very easy to bring back the malady 
in all its violence by attempting to hurry her. The food should be the 
same, cold mashes, green meat, or a little hay, if green meat cannot 
be procured, and thin gruel drunk from the pail — not given as a 
drench. Should the horse be very weak, or scarcely eat, tonics may 



137 

foe tried. The way should be felt very cautiously with the camomile, 
and the sedative medicine again be immediately resorted to if there 
be the slightest return of fever. To the camomile, the gentian and 
ginger maybe gradually added, but no mineral tonic. After a while, 
hay may be offered, and a little corn, and the horse be suffered very 
gradually to return to his former habits. 

Sect 194. 

The causes of inflammation of the lungs are changes from cold to 
heat, or heat to cold ; exposure to cold while the horse is hot^ wash- 
ing with cold water immediately after exercise ; sudden exposure to 
cold, after coming from a very hot stable ; travelling in the face of a 
cold wind ; the transference of general fever to the lungs previously 
disposed to inflammation from the usual stable management; and 
neglected eatarrh, or catarrh treated with stimulants instead of cooling 
medicines. Any change from heat to cold, or from cold to heat, will 
produce it with almost equal certainty; the removal from a warm 
stable to a cold one, or from a cold one to a warmer : from grass to 
the stable, and from the stable to grass will equally give rise to disease 
of the lungs. It is generally the effect of our erroneous system of 
management. 

We shall presently state the symptoms by which inflammation of 
the lungs may be distinguished from catarrhal fever. It may be dis- 
tinguished from inflammation of the bowels by the pulse, which, in 
the latter disease, is small and wiry; by the membrane of the nose, 
which is not then so much reddened; by the indications of pain, as 
kicking at the belly, stamping, and rolling ; by his eager scraping of 
the litter, and by the belly being painful to the touch, and also hot ? 
when the bowels are inflamed. 

SecL 195. 

We are, from our limited knowledge of physiology, aware that there 
Is a great sympathy between the bowels and lungs in the horse, and 
believe that the practice of violent purging would prove fatal in most 
cases of pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs in the horse, yet 
we believe that the great ma or opening, should be unobstructed when 
the subject labors under this disease. Drastic purgatives are at all 
times more injurious than beneficial. 

The treatment of this disease varies in many particulars, but the 
general one ie, depletion ; free blood letting, and emollient laxatives. 
If this course is pursued in the first stage of the disease, the animal 
may recover ; but if let run on a short time, the horse must die. 

Dr. Winters recommends copious bleeding, then follow it by & 
mild purgative. 

No. 80. — Laxative. 

Take liquid bacon, (lard,) one-quarter of a pound ; olive oil, one- 
half pound; extract of acacia bark, four ounces; wine, one pint; 
drench the horse. If this does not operate by night, inject the follow- 
10 



138 the farmer's complete farrier. 

ing clyster, and repeat the laxative immediately afterwards. — No. 6, 
Sect. 130. — A clyster. 

The next day after the physic has operated, administer the follow- 
ing drink : 

No. 81. — Drink for heaving of lungs. 

Take hysop, dill, of each two handfuls ; fleur-de-lis, (flag-flower,) 
one ounce ; horehound, origan, of each, one-half ounce ; licorice 
root, two ounces ; butter, one-quarter of a pound, and one quart of 
honey water ; mix — decoct, and administer one-half of it at once. 

The breast of the horse should be daily greased with the following 
ointment : 

Duck oil, one ounce ; butter, one-quarter of a pound ; oil of rue, 
and flag-flowers, of each, four drams ; mix — anoint. This should be 
succeeded by giving the following drink every other day : The yolk 
of ten eggs, and one quart of mutton broth ; mixed — given lukewarm. 

Sect. 196. 
Pleurisy — Seitenentzuendigung. — Ger. 

Hitherto we have spoken of inflammation of the substance of the 
lungs ; but inflammation may attack the membrane covering them and 
lining the side of the chest, (the pleura,) and be principally or entirely 
confined to that membrane. This is termed pleurisy. The causes 
are the same as in inflammation of the substance of the lungs, and 
the symptoms are not very dissimilar. The guiding distinction will 
be the pulse. As the blood in this disease still traverses the lungs 
without obstruction, we have not the oppressed pulse, but rather the 
hard, full pulse, characteristic of inflammation; the extremities are 
cold, but not much so ; the membrane of the nose intensely red in 
the former disease, because it is a continuation of the inflamed lining 
of the air cells of the lungs, is here but little reddened, because there 
is no connection between them ; if the sides are pressed upon in 
pleurisy, pain will be felt, which the horse will express by a kind of 
grunt, and which is easily explained by the pressure being applied so 
close to the seat of disease. The manner of standing, however, will 
remain the same, and the obstinacy of standing the same, and the 
extension of the neck, and the protrusion of the nostril. After death, 
the pleura of the ribs and the lungs will exhibit stripes or patches of 
inflammation, and the chest will be generally filled with serous fluid. 

Copious bleeding is indicated here, as in inflammation of the sub- 
stance of the lungs. Blisters and sedative medicines must likowise 
be resorted to. The fever powders, No. 73-74, and fever drinks, No, 
75, Section 188, are highly recommended in pleurisy as sedatives, by 
adding a small quantity of hyosciamus, one dram to each formula ; 
they form an efficient sedative. The only important difference is, 
that aperients may be administered with more safety than in the 
former disease. Puncturing of the chest to give escape to the fluid 
that is thrown out in it may be attempted. It cannot do harm, but it 
has very seldom saved or much prolonged the life of the animal. If 



139 

the operation be attempted, it should be as soon as the presence of 
the fluid is suspected, and the means by which this may be ascertain- 
ed we have already described. The opening should be effected with 
the common trocar used for tapping in dropsy in the human being, 
and should be made between the eighth and ninth ribs, and close to 
the cartilages. Diuretic medicines, combined with tonics, should be 
administered. 

S*cl. 197. 

Catarrh, or common cold — Kataarh Verhseltung. — Ger. 

This is a complaint of frequent occurrence, generally subdued 
without much difficulty, but often becoming of serious consequence, 
if neglected. It is accompanied by a little increase of pulse ; a slight 
discharge from the nose and eyes ; a coat somewhat roughened ; a 
diminution of appetite, and cough sometimes painful and frequent.— 
A little warmth, a few mashes, and some doses of the medicine recom- 
mended under inflammation of the lungs, will speedily effect a cure. 
Should the cough be very painful and obstinate, it may be necessary 
to bleed; but then the disease is degenerating into bronchitis or ca- 
tarrhal fever. 

The divisions of the windpipe just before it enters the lungs, 
and the numerous vessels into which it immediately afterwards 
branches out, are called the bronchial tubes, and inflammation of the 
membrane that lines them is termed : 

Sect. 198. 
Bronchitis — Luftrcehr-Beschwerde. — Ger. 

It is catarrh extending to the entrance of the lungs. It is charac- 
terized by quicker and harder breathing than catarrh usually pre- 
sents, and by a peculiar wheezing, which is relieved by the coughing 
up of mucous. 

It is to be treated by bleeding, far less copious than in inflamma- 
tion of the lungs, or even in catarrh. The horse will bear to lose 
■only a very small quantity of blood when laboring under inflamma- 
tion of the bronehial passages. The chest should be blistered, and 
digitalis given, and the other treatment similar to that for inflamed 
lungs, with the exception of the bleeding. Thick-wind is a frequent 
consequence of neglected bronchitis. 

Sect. 199. 
Catarrhal fever — Katarrhal-fieber. — Ger. 

This malady has various names among horsemen, as epidemic 
catarrh, influenza, distemper. By the latter name it is generally dis- 
tinguished in racing stables. 

Symptoms. — It usually commences, like inflammation of the lungs 
and fever, with a shivering fit ; to which rapidly succeed a hot mouth, 



140 the farmer's complete farrier, 

greater heat of the skin than is natural, heaving of the flanks, and 
cough. The eyes are red and heavy, and the membrane of the nose 
red, but considerably paler than that of inflammation of the lungs, 
and even occasionally bordering on a livid hue. From the very com- 
mencement of the disease there is some discharge from the nose ; at 
first, of a mere watery nature, but soon thickening, and containing 
flakes, some of which stick to the membrane of the nose, and have 
heen mistaken for ulcers. This discharge, at no great distance of 
time, becomes mattery and offensive. The glands likewise of the 
throat and under-jaw become enlarged, and the^ membranes of the 
nostril and the throat are inflamed and tender, and therefore the food 
is "quidded," and there is difficulty even in swallowing water, par- 
ticularly if it be cold. The horse sips and slavers in the pail, and re- 
peatedly coughs as he drinks. The cough is sometimes frequent and 
painful; so much so, that the horse repeatedly stamps with his feet, 
and shows signs of impatience and suffering in the act of coughing. 
To these symptoms rapidly succeeds very great weakness. The 
horse staggers, and sometimes almost falls as he moves about his 
box; or he supports himself by leaning his sides or his quarters 
against the stall. To the inexperienced observer, this early and ex- 
cessive weakness will be very alarming, and he will give up the horse 
as lost. The legs generally swell, and enlargements appear on the 
chest and belly. These, however, generally are favorable. The 
pulse is quickened. It rises to sixty or seventy, but the number of 
its beatings, and the character of the pulse, which is seldom very 
hard, depend much on the degree of fever which accompanies the 
disease. 

After a few days the cough becomes less frequent and painful; the 
glands of the throat diminished; the horse begins to eat a little green 
meat, and is more cheerful. In some cases, however, the membrane 
of the nose reddens, or streaks of red run through the lividness ; and 
the legs become cold, and the countenance haggard, and inflammation 
of the lungs is at hand. At other times the breath is offensive ; the 
discharge from the nose bloody ; the evacuations loose, and slimy, and 
bloody; and the animal is speedily destroyed. The cause of this 
disease is obscure. It may be the consequence of common cold ; or 
it will more frequently depend on some unexplained influence of the 
atmosphere. About the middle of spring and the commencement of 
autumn it is most frequent. Many horses in the same district, or in 
almost every part of the country, will be attacked by it. If the 
spring or autumn be wet and variable, almost every cold will degene- 
rate into it ; and there are too many circumstances which lead us to 
conclude that it is infectious. A lot of horses was bought at one of 
the fairs. They were all but one sent immediately to the residence 
of the purchaser at a considerable distance. The remaining one was 
employed for some purpose, and afterwards sent on a journey. He 
was seized with distemper, and on recovering sufficiently to travel, he 
was taken home. Three months had now elapsed since the purchase, 
and the other horses had been perfectly healthy ; but in less than a 
fortnight after this horse arrived, they all sickened with distemper. 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 141 

The treatment of catarrhal fever requires much judgment. It is 
clearly febrile in its commencement; but it speedily assumes the 
character of weakness. We will suppose that the disease is discover- 
ed at its very commencement. Bleeding will then be indispensable, 
regulated in quantity by the degree of fever ; rarely exceeding four 
quarts, never intentionally pursued until the animal is faint, and im- 
mediately stopped when there is the slightest appearance of faintness. 
The bleeding should be repeated if the pulse is frequent and stTong ; 
or if the membrane of the nose is getting red, and the legs cold, and 
even although weakness should be rapidly coming on; but it should 
be in smnli quantity, and the effect of it carefully watched. 

If the disease has been suffered to run on for two or three days-, 
and the horse begins to stagger, the practitioner or the owner will 
consider all the symptoms well before he ventures to bleed. Redness 
of the nostril, heat of the mouth, quickness and force of pulse, heav- 
ing of the flanks, or coldness of the legs, will require the loss of 
blood, notwithstanding considerable weakness ; but if the animal is 
quite off his feed, and the inside of the nose is livid, and he is fast 
losing condition as well as strength, bleeding will be better avoided* 

It is of importance that the bowels should be evacuated; and there 
is not so much danger in the use of a little purgative medicine as in 
inflammation of the lungs. Two drams of Barbadoes aloes may be 
given in the form of a ball, or in solution; and in twelve hours an- 
other dram may be given, and even a third dose twelve hours after 
that, if the fasces have not been loosened ; taking care to back-rake 
the animal, and to administer injections of thin gruel. 

The sedative medicines at first exhibited should be the same as in 
inflammation of the lungs, and in the same quantity ; but as soon as 
the fever begins to remit, two drams of the spirit of nitrous ether 
should be added to each dose ; and, the weakness increasing, and the 
fever still more subsiding, the camomile may be ventured on, but with 
caution. Warm clothing is necessary, and particularly about the 
head ; and although the box should still be airy, it should not be so 
cool as in inflammation of the lungs. If the throat be so sore that 
the animal will not eat, either the parotid or the submaxillary glands, 
or both, should be blistered. It will be far better to blister them at 
once, than to lose time by the use of weaker and ineffective applica- 
tions. The discharge from the nose should be promoted, and the 
natural progress of the inflammation of the membrane of the nose 
and throat hastened by hot mashes being frequently put in the man- 
ger, or, if the horse is not too much distressed by it, hung under his 
nostrils in a common nose-bag. When this is resorted to, a hood 
about the head will be particularly necessary. 

A great deal of weakness soon follows an attack of catarrhal fever, 
and it will then be necessary, even while we are subduing the fever, 
to support the strength of the animal. He should be offered bran- 
mashes, malt-mashes, damped hay, green meat, or carrots. If he re- 
fuses to take them, they should be insinuated between his grinders, 
vlien, being compelled to bruise them a little in endeavoring to get 
rid of them, and thus experiencing their taste, he will often be induced 



142 

to eat several little portions. If he obstinately refuses to feed, he mnsi' 
be drenched with thick gruel ; but this will seldom be necessary if all 
water be refused him from the earliest period of the disease, and a 
pail with thinner gruel be suspended in some part of his stall. — 
When he finds that he can get nothing else, he will drink sufficient 
of this to afford him all the nutriment we require. The preservation 
of due warmth in the extremities is as necessary here as in inflamma- 
tion of the lungs, and should be attempted by warm bandages, and 
frequent hand-rubbing. 

The terminations of this disease most to be dreaded are inflamma- 
tion of the lungs, and putrid fever. We know how to guard against 
the former, and we shall presently speak of the latter. When, how- 
ever, the disease hangs long upon the horse, there is usually much 
mischief done in the chest, although the animal may recover. Thick- 
wind, broken-wind, and chronic cough are its occasional consequen- 
ces ; and likewise, as the disease has affected so great a portion of 
the air-passages, a peculiar liability to cold and cough, and, not un- 
frequently, an unpleasant and troublesome discharge from the nose 
will remain. Of the latter we have spoken under the title of nasal 
gleet ; the others will presently come under consideration. The far- 
mer will not forget the infectious nature of this disease, and will 
immediately separate the sick animal from his companions. 

The disease with which catarrhal fever is most likely to be con- 
founded is inflammation of the lungs ; and as the treatment of the 
two is in some particulars so different, the farmer should be enabled 
readily to distinguish between them. If a little care be used this will 
not be difficult. The febrile character of the pulse ; the early dis- 
charge from the nose ; the want of intense redness in the lining of 
the nose ; the frequent and painful cough ; the enlargement of the 
glands, and soreness of the throat ; the rapid loss of strength, the 
sometimes constant, and at other times variable warmth of the legs ; 
the fidgettiness and pawing, will sufficiently distinguish catarrhal fever 
from the oppressed pulse, red nostril, heaving flank, little cough, fix- 
edness of limbs, and coldness of the extremities which accompany 
and characterize inflammation of the lungs. 

Sect. 200. 
The malignant epidemic — Bcesartiges Flussfieber. — Ger. 

This commences with nearly the same symptoms as catarrhal fever : 
it probably at the beginning is catarrhal fever, but more than usually 
violent, and sooner exhausting the powers of the frame. 

Its symptoms are rapid loss of strength, stinking breath, foetid dis- 
charge from the nostrils, all the evacuations becoming highly offensive,, 
the pulse rapid, small and weak, and the animal obstinately refusing 
to eat. It soon runs its course. Gangrene soon succeeds to inflam- 
mation, and rapidly spreads from the part first inflamed through the 
whole of the cellular substance, and over every portion of the frame. 
When veterinary science was in its infancy, this pest used periodically 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 143 

to appear, and carry off hundreds of horses ; and that breeder is for- 
tunate, who does not now sometimes suffer from its ravages. The 
treatment of it is very unsatisfactory. The prevention may be a little 
more in our power, by endeavoring to get rid of the previous disease 
by one bleeding, when, in some seasons, catarrhal fever appears under 
a form more than usually violent; and by bleeding with extreme cau- 
tion, or not bleeding at all, when debility begins to appear. A mild 
purgative may be first administered to carry off a portion of the offen- 
sive matter contained in the bowels ; after which, chalk, and ginger, 
and opium, and gentian, and Colombo, with port-wine, may be plenti- 
fully given, with green meat, or thick gruel ; but except the horse be 
valuable, the chance of saving him is so slight, and probably the dan- 
ger of spreading the pest so great, that prudence will prompt his 
destruction. 

Most frequent in occurrence among the consequences of catarrhal 
fever, and inflammation of the lungs, is chronic cough. 

Sect. 201. 

Chronic cough — Chronischer Husten. — Ger. 

It would occupy more space than we can devote to this part of our 
subject, to speak of all the causes of obstinate cough. The irritabil- 
ity of so great a portion of the air-passages, occasioned by previous 
and violent inflammation of them, is the most frequent. It is some- 
times connected with worms. There is much sympathy between 
the lungs and the intestines, and the one very readily participates in 
the irritation produced in the other. That it is caused by glanders, 
can be easily imagined, because that disease is, in its early stage, 
seated in or near the principal air-passages, and little time passes 
before the lungs become affected. It is the necessary attendant of 
thick-wind and broken-wind, for these proceed from alterations of 
the structure of the lungs. 

Remedy. — Notwithstanding the clearness of the cause, the cure is 
not so evident. If a harsh, hollow cough be accompanied by a sta- 
ring coat, and the appearance of worms ; a few worm-balls may ex- 
pel these parasites, and remove the irritation of the intestinal canal. 
If it proceed from irritability of the air-passages, which will be dis- 
covered by the horse coughing after drinking, or when he first goes 
out of the stable in the morning, or by his occasional throwing out 
thick mucous from the nose, medicines may be given, and sometimes 
with advantage, to diminish irritation generally. Half-doses of the 
digitalis, emetic tartar, and nitre, given every night, have had a very 
beneficial effect, especially when made up with tar, which seems to 
have a powerful influence in allaying these irritations. These balls 
should be regularly given for a considerable time. 

The following for chronic cough, have been found beneficial : 

No. 82. — Chronic cough balls. 

Take one scruple of calomel; gum ammoniacum, horse radish, 
each, two drams ; balsam of Tolu, squills, each, one dram ; beat all 



144 THE FARMER^ COMPLETE FARRIER. 

together, and make into a ball with honey, and give every mornings 
fasting. 

No. S3.— -Chronic cough drink. 

Take tar water, lime water, of each, half a pint; tincture of squills-, 
half an ounce. 

No. 84. — -Powder for chronic cough. 

Take tartar emetic, two drams ; powdered fox-glove, one-half 
dram ; powdered squills, one-half dram ; calomel, one scruple ; nitre, 
three drams ; give every night in a malt-mash. 

A blister, extending from the root of one ear to that of the other, 
taking in the whole of the channel, and reaching six or eight inches 
down the windpipe, has been tried, and not without good effect, on 
the supposition that the irritation may exist in the fauces or the larynx ; 
and the blister has sometimes been extended through the whole course 
of the windpipe, until it enters the chest. 

Feeding has much influence on this complaint. Too much dry 
meat, and especially chaff, increases it. It is aggravated when the 
horse is suffered to eat his litter. Carrots afford decided relief. 

The seat of the disease, however, is so uncertain, and all our means 
and applications so inefficacious, and the cough itself so little interfer- 
ing, and sometimes interfering not at all with the health of the animal, 
that it is scarcely worth while to persevere in any mode of treatment 
that is not evidently attended with speedy benefit. The principal 
consideration to induce us to meddle at all with chronic cough is the 
knowledge that horses afflicted with it are more liable than others to be 
affected by changes of temperature, and that inflammation of the lungs, 
or of the respiratory passages, often assumes in them a very alarm- 
ing character; to which, perhaps, we may add, that a horse with 
chronic cough cannot legally or properly be warranted sound. 

When chronic cough chiefly occurs after eating, the seat of the dis- 
ease is evidently in the substance of the lungs. The stomach dis- 
tended with food presses upon the diaphragm, the diaphragm upon 
the lungs ; and the lungs, already laboring under some congestion, 
are less capable of transmitting the air. In the violent effort to dis- 
charge their function, irritation is produced ; and the act of coughing 
is the consequence of that irritation. This is allied with, or soon 
runs into thick- wind. 

Sect. 202. 

Thick- wind consists in short, frequent, and laborious breathings, 
and especially when the animal is in exercise ; the inspirations and 
expirations often succeeding each other so rapidly as evidently to ex- 
press distress, and occasionally almost to threaten suffocation. Some 
degree of it frequently exists in round-chested and fat horses, that 
have little or no breeding. The reason of this is sufficiently plain. 
The circular chest affords sufficient room for the expansion of the 
lungs when the animal is at rest, and sufficient room for the ac- 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 145 

cumulation of a great deal of fat and flesh; but when the horse 
is strongly exercised, the circulation of the blood is hurried, and its 
change from arterial to venous, or from vital to empoisoned blood, is 
more rapid. The circular chest cannot then enlarge to any great 
degree : yet the blood must be purified in greater quantity, and there- 
fore what cannot be done by increase of surface, must be accomplish- 
ed by frequency of action. Heavy draught horses are invariably 
thick-winded, and so are almost all horses violently exercised on a 
full stomach. 

A horse laboring under any inflammatory affection of the lungs is 
thick-winded, because the pain which he feels in the act of breathing 
will not permit him to respire deeply, and therefore, he must breathe 
quickly. A horse unused to exercise is thick-winded, because the 
lungs will not soon accommodate themselves to a new and laborious 
action. 

The principal cause, however, of thick-wind is previous inflam- 
mation, and particularly inflammation of the bronchial passages. — 
The throwing out of some fluid, which is capable of coagulation, is 
the result, or the natural termination of inflammation. This deposit 
in the substance of the lungs, or in the bronchial tubes, from inflam- 
mation of these organs, must close many of the air-cells, and lessen 
the dimensions of others. Then if the cells, fewer in number and 
contracted in size, be left for the purposes of breathing, the rapid and 
laborious action of the lungs must supply the deficiency, and especi- 
ally when the animal is put in that state in which he requires a rapid 
change of blood. 

The examination of thick-winded horses has thrown considerable 
light on the nature of the disease. In the majority of instances some 
of the small air-cells have been found filled up with a dense substance 
of a blue or darker color. In others, the minute passages leading to 
the cells have been diminished, and almost obliterated, the linings of 
these passages being unnaturally thickened, or covered with hardened 
mucous ; and where neither of these appearances could be observed, 
the lining of the cells has exhibited evident marks of inflammation, 
so that absolute pain prevented the full expansion or contraction of 
the lungs. 

Thick-wind is often the forerunner of broken-wind. It is easy to 
understand this ; for if so much labor is necessary to contract the air- 
cells, and to force out the wind, and the lungs work so rapidly and so 
violently in effecting this, some of the cells, weakened by disease, 
will probably be ruptured. 

Of the treatment of thick-wind we have little to say. Attention to 
diet, and the prevention of the overloading of the stomach, and the 
avoidance of exercise soon after a meal, may in some degree palliate 
the disease, and so may constant exercise, carried to the extent of the 
horse's power, without too much distressing him. The capability of 
exertion will thus daily improve, and the breathing of the horse will 
become freer and deeper. This is the process of training a horse for 
the course: and this constitutes all the difference between a horse 
that has been well and one that has been badly trained. 



146 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Sect. 203. 

Broken-wind — Windbruch* — Ger. 

This is easily distinguished from thick-wind. In thick-wind the 
breathing is rapid and laborious, but the inspiration and expiration are 
equally so, and occupy precisely the same time. In broken-wind the 
inspiration is performed by one effort; the expiration by two, which 
is plainly to be distinguished by observing the flanks, and which oc- 
cupies double the time. The reason of this may easily be stated. 
Broken-wind is the rupture or running together of some of the air- 
cells. When the lungs are expanded, the air will rush in easily 
enough, and one effort of the muscles of respiration is sufficient for 
the purpose ; but when these cells have run into each other, the cav- 
ity is so irregular, and contains so many corners and blind pouches, 
that it is exceedingly difficult to force it out again, and two efforts are 
scarcely competent fully to effect it. 

This disease is also accompanied by a dry and husky cough of a 
peculiar sound, which cannot easily be described, but is recognized 
by every one accustomed to horses. It is the consequence of thick- 
wind, and of those alterations of structure consequent on inflamma- 
tion. If a portion of the lung be lost to the animal, and the same 
quantity of pure blood must be supplied, while there is not the same 
surface to supply it, it is easy to suppose that, in the violent efforts 
which such a horse is compelled to make, some of the cells may be 
broken. 

Broken-wind may, however, occur without much previous disease. 
Suppose a horse to be a gross feeder, and to have filled his stomach 
with straw and hay, and provender, that occupies a great bulk, and 
contains little nourishment, the lungs are squeezed into a less than 
the natural compass. Let the horse be now suddenly and smartly 
exercised ; more blood must be purified, and in the violent effort to 
accomplish this, some of the cells give way. Therefore we do not 
find broken-winded horses on the race-course, for although every ex- 
ertion of speed is required from them, their food lies in small com- 
pass, and the stomach is not distended, and the lungs have room to 
play, and care is taken that their exertion shall be required when the 
stomach is nearly empty. Carriage and coach horses are seldom 
broken-winded, unless they bring the disease to their work, for they 
too live principally on corn, and their work is regular, and care is 
taken that they shall not be fed immediately before their work. The 
majority of horses thus affected, come from the stables of those for 
whose use these pages are principally designed. The farmer's horse 
is the broken-winded horse, because that on which he is fed is bulky, 
and too often selected on account of its cheapness ; because there is 
little regularity in the management of most of the farmer's stables, or 
the work of his teams ; and because after many an hour's fasting the 
horses are often suffered to gorge themselves with this bulky food ; 
and then, the stomach pressing upon the lungs, and almost impeding 
ordinary respiration, they are put again to work, and sometimes to 
that which requires considerable exertion. 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 147 

A profitable lesson may be learnt from this statement. The farmer 
perhaps may contrive to give his horses a little more corn, and a little 
less hay, and straw, and chaff, without much additional expense; he 
may contrive, too, to shorten the period of fasting, and therefore pre- 
vent the ravenous manner in which agricultural horses often feed; 
and more regularity may take place between the periods of feeding 
and of work. We have recommended the nose-bag, as a preventive of 
stomach-staggers ; we can as earnestly recommend it as a preventive 
of broken-wind. 

Cause. — This disease depends as much upon the cramped state of 
the lungs, from the pressure of an over-gorged stomach in the ordinary 
state of the animal, as on the effects of over-exertion. The agricul- 
turist knows that many a horse becomes broken-winded in the straw 
yard. There is little nutriment in the provender which he there finds, 
and to obtain enough for the support of life, he is compelled to keep 
the stomach constantly full, and pressing upon the lungs. Some have 
come up from grass broken-winded, that went out perfectly sound. 
The explanation of this case is the same. The stomach was habitu- 
ally gorged with coarse and innutritive herbage, and its pressure on 
the lungs cramped and confined their action, and produced those 
violent efforts which burst some of the air-cells, and especially when 
in their gambols in the straw-yard or in the field, or sometimes being 
wantonly driven about, the lungs were suddenly called upon to per- 
form extraordinary work. There are difficulties attending this expla- 
nation of the disease, but it cannot be denied that the dissection of 
of horses which had broken-wind has almost invariably presented 
these enlarged air-cells, one of which occupy the space of a great 
many of their natural dimensions. 

The cure of a broken-winded horse no one ever witnessed f yet 
much may be done in the way of paliation.* The food of the animal 
should consist of much nutriment condensed into a small compass; 
the quantity of oats should be increased, and that of hay proportion- 
ably diminished; the bowels should be gently relaxed by the frequent 
use of mashes; the water should be given sparingly through the day, 
although at night the thirst of the animal should be fully satisfied; 
and exercise should never be taken when the stomach is full. It will 
scarcely be believed how much relief these simple measures will af- 
ford to the broken-winded horse, and of how much exertion he may 
be gradually rendered capable. Some treated on this plan have even 
been hunted, and have acquitted themselves well in the field. Carrots 
are very useful to the broken-winded horse, not only as containing 
much nutriment and considerable moisture, so that less water may be 
required, but from some property which they possess, rendering them 
beneficial in every chest affection. A broken-winded horse turned 
out to grass will never improve, on account of the almost constant 

* We know an instance where a wind-broken horse had been kept in a field 
where there was not any water, except in the bottom of a lime-kiln, and recovered 
his wind. The horse got no other water to drink for five cr six weeks, and he 
perfectly recovered wind, and continues free from cough. — Practical Farmer. 



148 the farmer's complete farrier. 

distension of the stomach; but he may be fed on more succulent sub- 
stances, as turneps and mangel-wurzel, with evident advantage. They 
are easy of digestion, and soon pass out of the stomach. 

Medical treatment is of little avail, except that organs so violently 
excited as the lungs of broken-winded horses frequently are, must be 
subject to inflammation, and the difficulty of breathing in these horses 
is sometimes sadly increased. A little blood may then be subtracted, 
and other means taken which have been recommended for inflamma- 
tory affections of the chest. In case of frequent or periodical returns 
of difficulty of breathing, to which these horses are very subject, a 
course of mild aperients, united with mercury, have been given with 
decided advantage. Two drams of aloes, and one of calomel, may 
be given twice in the week. The barbarous practice of some farriers 
of making holes near the anus, and sometimes in other parts, to let 
out the broken-wind, cannot be too strongly reprobated. 

We here insert an article from our Irish book, by Montague. 
It is given without comment. 

Ball for broken-winded horses, that has made a perfect cure of 
upwards of seven hundred, in less than nine months: Myrrh, ele- 
campane, and licorice root, in fine powder, three ounces each ; saffron, 
three drams; asafetida, one ounce; sulphur, squills, and cinnabar of 
antimony, of each, two ounces; aurum mosaicum, one and a-half 
ounce; oil of aniseed, eighty drops; make it into a paste, with either 
treacle or honey, and give the horse the quantity of a hen's egg, every 
morning for a week, and afterwards, every other morning, until the 
disorder is removed. 

Thick-wind and broken-wind exist in various degrees, and many 
shades of difference. Dealers and horsemen generally have charac- 
terized them by names that can boast no elegance, but are considera- 
bly expressive of the state of the animal. Our readers should not be 
ignorant of them. Some horses make a shrill noise when in quick 
action — -they are said to be Pipers. This is a species of roaring. 
There is usually a ring of coagulated matter round the inside of the 
windpipe, by which the cavity is materially diminished, and the 
sound produced in quick breathing must evidently be shriller. Some- 
times the piping is produced by a contraction of the small passages 
of the lungs. 

Sect. 204. 

The Wheezer utters a sound not unlike that of an asthmatic per- 
son when a little hurried. This is a kind of thick-wind, and is caused 
by the lodgment of some mucous fluid in the small passages of the 
lungs. It frequently accompanies bronchitis. Wheezing can be 
heard at all times, even when the horse is at rest in the stable ; roaring 
is confined to the increased breathing of considerable exertion. 

The Whistler utters a shriller sound than the wheezer, but only 
when in exercise, and that of some continuance. A sudden motion 
will not always produce it. It seems to be referable to some con- 
traction in the windpipe or the larynx. The sound is a great nuisance 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 149 

to the rider, and the whistler very speedily becomes distressed. A 
sharp gallop up hill will speedily detect the whistler. 

When the obstruction seems to be principally in the nose, the 
horse loudly puffs and blows, and the nostrils are dilated to the 
utmost, while the flanks are comparatively quiet. This animal is 
said to be a high-blower. With all his apparent distress, he often 
possesses great speed and endurance. The sound is unpleasant, but 
the lungs may be perfectly sound. 

Every horse violently exercised on a full stomach, or when over- 
loaded with fat, will grunt very much like a hog. The pressure of 
the stomach on the lungs, or that of the fat accumulated about the 
heart, will so much impede the breathing, that the act of forcible expi- 
ration will be accompanied by this kind of sound, if suddenly touched 
with the spur or whip. They are called grunters, and should be 
avoided. There is some altered structure of the lungs, which pre- 
vents them from suddenly accommodating themselves to an unex- 
pected demand for exertion. It is the consequence of a previous 
disease, and is frequently followed by thick or broken-wind. 

Sect. 205. 

Before we proceed to speak of the diseases of the stomach, we 
shall select and translate a few remedies or cures for cough, cold, fyc. 

Mr. White recommends in catarrh or cold, bleeding and laxatives. 
The following, he says, will be found a very useful remedy, and may 
be repeated at an interval of a few days, should it appear necessary. 
It will generally prevent those obstinate and even incurable coughs 
which so often remain after a cold, and which not unfrequently 
terminate in broken-wind. 

No. 85. — Laxative ball. 

Take Barbadoes aloes, three drams to one-half ounce ; emetic tartar, 
one and a-half dram ; castile-soap, two drams ; syrup enough to form 
a ball for one dose. 

White recommends the following as an expectorant ball : 

No. 86. — Expectorant ball. 

Take gum ammoniacum, from three to five drams; powdered 
squills, one dram; opium, one-half dram; powdered ginger, one 
dram ; syrup enough for a ball for one dose. 

Cure for cough in horses. 

[From the Pocket Farrier.] 

One-half pound of nitre, one-quarter pound of crocus metallorum, 
i. e. black regulus of antimony; two ounces of antimony; mix well 
in a mortar, and make it up into doses of one ounce, each. Give the 
horse one dose in a cold mash, mixed, every night in mild weather, 
for three nights ; then omit it for a week. If he does not get better 
of his cough, repeat it. Care is necessary that the horse should not 



150 THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 

be exposed while warm, to stand in a cold wind : otherwise exercise 
him gently, and heat him as usual. 
Dr. Deigendesch recommends the following cough powder: 

No. 87. — Cough poivder. 

Take lungwort, tansy, fenugreek, of each, one ounce; laurel ber- 
ries, bole armeniac, and sulphur, of each, one-half ounce ; mix ; give 
the horse a spoonful every morning and evening, in his feed. 

If the cough is caused from feeding musty feed, or by drinking 
stagnant water, give the following : 

No. 88. — Cough powder. 

Take septfoil, or tormentil, elecampane, white jalap, of each, two 
ounces; marshmallows, licorice root, noble liverwort, each, one 
ounce; mullen, horehound, of each, one-half ounce; laurel berries, 
fennelseed, aniseed, sulphur, one-half ounce ; mix ; pulverize ; give 
the horse twice a day, each time a spoonful, with his feed. 

John Schneyder recommends the following cough mixture : 

No. 89. — Liquid cough mixture. 

Take lungwort, a handful ; wild spikenard, two ounces ; barley and 
flaxseed, of each, one quart; water, three gallons; boil the whole 
until it is reduced one-third, and give the horse daily some of it with 
his feed. 

Dr. Winters recommends, after bleeding, physicing and clystering, 
the following cough powder : 

No. 90. — Cough powder. 

Take elecampane, one and a-half ounce ; gentian, three ounces ; 
bitter cucumber root, one and a-half ounce ; agaric, three ounces ; 
birth wort, three ounces; jalap, one and a-half ounce ; scammony, one 
ounce. 

Pulverize, and feed the horse daily one-half ounce of the mixture ; 
or take one-half ounce of it with a pint of wine, and give it to the 
horse at one draught. 

Nachrichter recommends for a wind-broken horse, besides purga- 
tives and bleeding, the following as an excellent powder : 

No. 91.— -Powder for wind-broken horse. 

Take elecampane, masterwort, of each, one ounce ; sage, lungwort, 
speedwell, fenugreek, zedoary, and sulphur, of each, one ounce. 

Mixed, pulverized ; give the horse in the morning and evening a 
spoonful with his feed. 

Heaves. — This disease in horses is characterized by difficult and 
laborious respiration or breathing. It is a very afflicting disease. — 
The following remedy for this disease has never failed. The receipt 
for the cure has been selling at five dollars to the eastward, where 
the efficacy of the medicine recommended, has been proved in the 
cure of a number of cases of the most obstinate heaves. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 151 

No. 92. — Remedy for heaves. 

Take one pound and a-half of good ginger, for a horse. Give two 
table spoonfuls a day — one in the morning and the other in the even- 
ing, mixed with wheat bran. 

Sect. 206. 

D. — Diseases of the stomach and intestines. 

The stomach — Der Magen. — Ger. 

The stomach is found on the left side of the belly, lying upon the 
large intestines ; its fore-part close to the liver ; and its left side in 
contact with the diaphragm.* This situation of the stomach will at 
once explain the reason why a horse is so much distressed, and some- 
times irreparably injured if worked hard immediately after a full meal. 
The stomach must be displaced and driven back in the belly by every 
contraction of the diaphragm or act of inspiration ; then in proportion 
to the fulness of the stomach will be the weight to be overcome, and 
the labour of the diaphragm, and the exhaustion of the animal. If the 
stomach be much distended, it may be too weighty to be forced suffi- 
ciently far back to make room for the quantity of air which the ani- 
mal, in a state of exertion, requires. Hence the frequency and labor 
of the breath, and the quickness with which such a horse is blown, 
or, possibly, destroyed. Hence the folly of giving too full a meal, 
or too much water before the horse starts on a journey; and hence, 
likewise, the absurdity and danger of that unpardonable custom of 
some grooms to gallop the horse after his drink, in order to warm it 
in his belly, and prevent gripes. 

The horse was destined to be the servant of man, and to serve him 
at all hours, and whether fasting or full; it would seem, therefore, 
that to lessen the inconvenience or danger of the pressure of the 
stomach on the diaphragm, a smaller stomach, in proportion to his 
size, is given to the horse than to almost any other animal. The 
bulk of the horse, and the services required of him, demand much 
nutriment; and his nutriment is of such a nature that it must occupy 
a very considerable space, yet his stomach, compared with his bulk, 
is not half so large as that of the human being ; and therefore, al- 
though he, like every other animal, feels inconvenience from great 
exertion immediately after a full meal, he feels not so much as other 
animals, for his stomach is small, and a great proportion of what he 
eats rapidly passes through it, and descends to a part of the intestines 
distant from the diaphragm, and where the existence and pressure of 
the food cannot cause him any annoyance. 

* The diaphragm or midriff separates the chest from the abdomen or belly, ex- 
tending obliquely from the loins to the breast bone* The great artery which con- 
veys the blood from the heart to the hinder part of the frame, the great vein which 
carries the blood from the hinder parts and the liver to the heart, and the gullet, all 
pass through the diaphragm. It is one of the most important muscles of the horse. 

Compiler. 



152 

The stomach of the horse being small, the wonderful change which 
is effected in the food, and the nature of which has never been thor- 
oughly understood, proceeds very rapidly. The horse, in some in- 
stances, will eat a great deal more than the stomach will hold, and 
room can only be made for the reception of the fresh food by that 
which had been previously received being discharged through the 
pyloric orifi.ce. 

Of one disease of the stomach, arising from over distention, stom- 
ach-staggers, we have already spoken. — See subdivision A. In a 
few instances the stomach has been known to be distended with air, 
but there are no characteristic symptoms by which this may be distin- 
guished from distension by food, and the treatment would be the 
same. 

Of inflammation of the stomach in the horse, except from poison- 
ous herbs or drugs, we know but little. It very rarely occurs, and 
then can with difficulty be distinguished from inflammation of the 
bowels. 

Few horses are destroyed by poisonous plants.* Natural instinct 
teaches them to avoid those which would be injurious. 

Of the mineral poisons we will mention only two. Arsenic was 
formerly celebrated as a tonic and a destroyer of worms in the horse; 
and doses sufficient to kill three or four men used to be daily adminis- 
tered, and generally with impunity ; the dose has, however, in some 
cases been too strong, and the animal has died. There are better 
tonics and vermifuges, and the drug will probably soon be discarded 
from veterinary practice. Corrosive sublimate is given internally, 
and often with advantage in farcy. It is used externally to destroy 
vermin, to cure mange, and to dispose deep and fistulous ulcers to 
heal. The symptoms of an over-dose of either are loss of appetite, 
discharge of saliva from the mouth, pawing, looking eagerly at the 
flanks, rolling, profuse perspiration, thready pulse, rapid weakness, 
violent purging and straining, convulsions, and death. 

The stomach will be found intensely inflamed, with patches of yet 
greater inflammation. The whole course of the intestine will be in- 
flamed, with particular parts black and gangrenous. 

The antidote, if it be not too late to administer it, would be, for 
arsenic, lime water, or chalk and water, or soap and water, or pearl 
ashes, given in great quantities with the stomach-pump; and for cor- 
rosive sublimate, the white of eggs mixed with water, or thick starch, 
arrow-root or linseed tea. If the poisoning be malicious, arsenic may 
be most readily detected by mixing a little of the fluid taken from the 
intestines with a weak solution of blue vitriol, to which a little harts- 
horn has been added— the mixture will gradually become green ; or, 
if a little of the more solid contents of the stomach or small intestines 
be thrown on a red hot iron, a smell of garlic will be perceived. 

For corrosive sublimate there is a simpler test. Place a drop of 
the suspected fluid on a piece of gold, let the stem of a small key 

* A gentleman of Chester county, Pa., informed us, in 1834, that he lost seve- 
ral horses which had eaten cicuta maculata. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 1 53 

touch the gold while the handle is brought into contact with the drop, 
and the gold will immediately be stained; or mix a little of the ins- 
pected fluid with lime water, and the corrosive sublimate, if there be 
any, will be thrown to the bottom, of an orange color; or if hartshorn 
be used, the precipitate will be white. 

Sect. 207. 
a. — Grubs or bots — Engerlinge. — Ger. 

In the spring and early part of the summer, horses are much 
troubled by a grub or caterpillar, which crawls out of the anus fas- 
tens itself under the tail, and seems to cause a great deal of itching 
or uneasiness. 'Grooms are sometimes alarmed at the appearance of 
these insects. Their history is curious, and will dispel every fear 
with regard to them. 

A species of gad-fly, is in the latter part of summer exceedingly 
busy about the horse. They are observed to be darting with 'real 
rapidity towards the knees and sides of the animal. The feiaial.es are 
depositing their eggs on the hair, and which adhere to it by mea is of 
a glutinous fluid with which they are surrounded. In a few da\ s the 
eggs are ready to be hatched, and the slightest application of warmth 
and moisture will liberate the little animals which they contain. The 
horse in licking himself touches the egg, it bursts, and a small worm 
escapes, which adheres to the tongue, and is conveyed with the food 
into the stomach,* there it clings, by means of a hook on either side 
of its mouth, to the cuticular portion of the stomach, and its hold is 
so firm and so obstinate, that it will be broken before it will I e de- 
tached. It remains feeding there on the mucous of the stomach 
during the whole of the winter, and to the end of the ensuing spring; 
when, having attained a considerable size, and being destined to un- 
dergo a certain transformation, it disengages itself from the cuticular 
coat, is carried into the villous portion of the stomach with the food, 
passes out of it with the chyme, and is at length evacuated with the 
dung. 

The larva or maggot being thus thrown out, seeks shelter in the 
ground, contracts in size, and becomes a chrysalis or grub ; in which 
state it lies inactive for a few weeks, and then, bursting from its con- 
finement, assumes the form of a fly. The female, becoming impreg- 
nated, quickly deposits her eggs on those parts of the horse which he 
is most likely to lick, and so the species is perpetuated. 

* Mason says, the horse swallows the eggs, which hy heat of the stomach are 
brought into life, and are sometimes so numerous as to eat their way entirely 
through the stomach and destroy the animal. — Compiler. 

The Oestrus equi deposits its egps on the hair of the horse in such a situation 
that in licking himself, mote or less of them will come in contact with the tongue, 
the warmth and moisture instantly hatch them, they remain attached to the sur- 
face of the tongue until they are swallowed with the saliva and food into tlie stom- 
ach ; here they pass the larva and chrysalis state, and when voided by the animal, 
are soon ready for the final transformation to the perfect insect, the Oestri s equi. 

Eaton. 
11 



154 the farmer's complete farrier- 

There are several plain conclusions from this history. 

1. The bots cannot, ivhile they inhabit the stomach of the horse, 
give the animal any pain, for they are fastened on the cuticular and 
insensible coat. 

2. They cannot stimulate the stomach and increase its digestive 
power, for they are not on the digestive portion of the stomach. 

3. They cannot, by their roughness, assist the trituration or rubbing 
down of the food, for no such office is performed in that part of the 
stomach — the food is softened, not rubbed down. 

4. They cannot be injurious to the horse, for he enjoys the most 
perfect health when the cuticular part of his stomach is filled with 
them, and their presence is not even suspected until they appear at 
the anus. 

5. They cannot be removed by medicine, because they are not in 
that part of the stomach to which medicine is usually conveyed ; and if 
they were, their mouths are too deeply buried in the mucous for any 
medicine, that can safely be administered, to affect them. 

6. And, last of all, in due course of time they detach themselves, 
and come away. Therefore, the wise man will leave them to them- 
selves, or content himself 'with picking, them off when they collect 
under the taii and annoy the animal. 

Remarks. — Above we have the conclusions of an association of 
one hundred and fifty eminent agriculturists of Europe. We will 
add a remark or two on the conclusions, to show a diversity of 
opinion on bots or grubs, and how far the gentlemen above agree 
with others. 

1. Sometimes the bots attach themselves to the sensible part of the 
stomach and do great injury to that important organ, producing irrita- 
tion, emaciation, &c. — -Mason. 

4. I have met with several instances of their destroying the horse. 
by ulcerating the stomach in a considerable degree; and cases are 
recorded where they have penetrated quite through the stomach.— 
White. 

Indeed they seldom fail to attack a horse with great violence, when- 
ever his stomach is empty, and endangers his life. — Mason. 

5. It appears that they will live in any medicine that can be given 
to a horse, nearly as long as they can without eating. — Mason. 

Since there appears to be no specific remedy against the bots, only 
so far as to expel those mischievously employed in gnawing and tor- 
menting the horse's stomach, we shall describe the symptoms attend- 
ing the grubs, then offer some remedies to save the horse's life when 
this internal army is planning and working the destruction of this 
noble animal. 

Symptoms. — When the grubs are at their destructive work, the 
horse frequently lies down and looks round to his shoulders, groans, 
whisps his tail between his hind-legs, frequently turns up his upper 
lip, and has a very hot fever, which may be discovered by the ear. 



155 

No. 93.— Remedies for bots. 

a. — Take copperas, two table spoonfuls; water, milk-warm, one 
pint; dissolve the copperas, and give it as a drench. If the horse is 
not relieved in fifteen minutes, repeat the dose. 

b. — Take of linseed or sturgeon's oil, one pint, and give it as a 
drench. If the horse is not relieved in fifteen minutes, repeat the 
dose. 

c. — Take of molasses, one pint; milk, one pint; give it as a drench, 
and repeat the dose. 

d. — Take of fresh meat, of any kind, (raw,) half a pound, cut it into 
four or five pieces, and force it down the horse's throat; it will imme- 
diately induce the grubs to break their hold. 

e. — Take two ounces of yEthiop's mineral, and give it to your horse 
in his feed, and in a day or two afterwards give him a purge; then 
you may give him a decoction of bitter herbs, to prevent their return. 

f. — Give your horse (after taking molasses and milk) a quart or two 
of fish or beef brine, as a drench. From recent experiments, salt 
appears to have the property of killing worms: these insects placed 
in a solution of this substance die immediately. 

g. — Drench the horse with half an ounce of saltpetre dissolved in 
common water, and in about fifteen minutes drench with half an 
ounce of alum dissolved in like manner. Let the horse have no 
water for twenty-four hours after. 

An active purge will be absolutely necessary, immediately after the 
use of either of the above remedies. One pint of soft soap, added 
to a pint of molasses, with a handful of salt, will answer very well. 
Repeat the dose, should it not operate in four or five hours. 

No. 94. — Remedies for bots. 

Dr. Loomis, of North Carolina, recommends, to make a drench, 
composed of half a pint of new milk; a- gill of molasses; an ounce 
of copperas ; two spoonfuls of common salt; and a half pint of warm 
water. Give this to the horse once or twice a day, for a few days, 
and it will completely expel the bots. 

No. 95. — Another. 

In the morning, upon an empty stomach- — let two pints of mo- 
lasses be dissolved in three pints of new milk, and given; prevent 
the horse from taking any food for nearly two hours ; then add an 
ounce and a-half of laudanum, to about three pints of warm water; 
after it is given, let him be walked about for nearly an hour and a-half, 
then let a dose of strong physic be given, and worked off in the usual 
way. 

No. 96.—- Another. 

Dr. Morgan, of New Jersey, says: Take a table spoonful of un- 
slaked lime, and let it be given with the feed of the horse, at night 
and morning, regularly, for three, four, or five days, and it will com- 
pletely expel the bots. 



156 the farmer's complete farrxek. 

No. 97.-— Another. 

Mr. Houser, an experienced farmer, says : Take a handful of alum? 
dissolved in one quart of water, and drench the horse.— Proved, 

No. 98. — Another. 

When a horse has bots, it may often be known by his biting his 
sides: when he has many they often throw him into great pain, and 
he lays down, rolls, and if not cured soon, dies. When it is believed 
that a horse has the bots, by the above symptoms, give a pint of 
sweetened milk, which the bots are fond of, and they will let go their 
hold on the horse, and feast on the milk. Immediately gi^e the horse 
a small quantity of oats and other provender, in which put two-thirds 
of a common fig' of tobacco pulverized. If he refuses the provender 
thus mixed, s eep the same quantity of tobacco in a pint of boiling 
or warm water, until the strength is out as we say, then put in enough 
cold water, so that the whole will fill a common junk bottle, and turn 
it into the horse. When it reaches the bots it kills them, as all will 
believe, who have ever spit tobacco juice on a worm or other similar 
insect. The horse, in less than twenty hours, will void all his bots; 
there is no mistake in this, though no patent has been obtained. The 
writer would not have it tried on an old poor horse in the fall or first 
of winter, for he would certainly recover to the damage of his owner* 
If one worth curing is affected with bots, and the symptoms are 
severe, never stop for the milk, but in with the tobacco — this is the 
kill-all. — Maine Farmer. 

No. 99. — To prevent bots. 

Mix a little wood ashes with the drink or feed of the horse; this 
will prevent the bots, if it is given three times a week. 

No, 100.— Another. 

Willich's Encyclopedia says: Bots may be cured by giving the 
horse a spoonful of savin, cut small, once or twice a day, in oats or 
bran, moistened; to which may be added five or six cloves of garlic. 
Purges of aloes and jalap, likewise to be given at intervals. 

Diegendesch recommends the following: 

No. 101. — Another. 

Take unslaked lime, slake it with strong vinegar; take one-half 
pint, add the shells of ten or twelve hen's eggs, pulverized; and 
drench the horse. 

No. 102.— Another. 

Nachrichter says: Take pulverized savin, and tansy, of each, 
two drams; and one dram of asafetida; to be well mixed, and given 
in a-half pint of vinegar; and a-half pint of olive or sweet oil to 
follow immediately. This is a never failing cure. 

As a means of guarding against bots, something may be accom- 
plished by both destroying the parent insect, while buzzing about the 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 157 

horse, or by destroying the eggs when deposited. The latter may 
be done by scraping them off occasionally, from those places most 
liable to be bit or licked by the animal, or by washing the legs at 
times, with such substances as will destroy the nits, without injuring 
the horse. This a decoction of tobacco will do, as will the smooth- 
ing down the hair with a rag moistened with spirits of turpentine. 

Sect. 208. 
Intestines — Eingeweide-Dserme. — Ger. 

The food having been partially digested in the stomach, and con- 
verted into chyme, passes through the pyloric orifice, into the 
intestines. 

The intestines of a full grown horse are not less than ninety feet 
in length. The length of the intestines in different animals depends 
on the nature of the food. The nutritive matter is with much more 
difficulty extracted from vegetable than animal substances, therefore 
the alimentary canal is large, long, and complicated, in those which, 
like the horse, are fed on herbs alone. They are divided into the 
small and large intestines; the former of which occupy about sixty- 
six feet, and the latter twenty-four. The intestines like the stomach, 
are composed of three coats. The outer coat consists of the perito- 
neum, covering the contents of the belly. By means of this coat 
the bowels are confined in their proper situations; and, this mem- 
brane being smooth and moist, all friction and concussion are avoided. 
Did the bowels float loosely in the belly they would be subject to con- 
stant entanglement and injury amid the rapid and violent motions of 
the horse. 

The middle coat, like that of the stomach, is muscular, and compo- 
sed of two layers of fibres, one running longitudinally, and the other 
circularly; and by means of these muscles, which are continually 
contracting and relaxing from the upper part downward, the food is 
forced along the bowels. The inner coat is the mucous or villous ; 
mucous, because it abounds with small glands which pour out a mu- 
cous fluid to lubricate the passage and defend it from irritating or 
acrimonious substances ; and villous from its soft velvet feel. This 
coat is crowded with innumerable little mouths, which are the com- 
mencement of minute vessels, by which the nutritive part of the food 
is taken up; and these vessels, uniting and passing over the mesente- 
ry, carry this nutritive matter to a receptacle for it, whence it is con- 
veyed into the circulation and distributed to every part. 

The intestines are more particularly retained in their places by the 
mesentery, (middle of the intestines,) which is a doubling of the peri- 
toneum, including the intestine in its bottom, and likewise inclosing 
between its folds the arteries and veins, and nerves, and the vessels 
which convey the nutriment from the intestines to the circulation. 



158 

Sect. 209. 
Diseases of the intestines. 
b.—~ Spasmodic colic— Krsempige-Kolik. — Ger. 

We have said, that the passage of the food through the intestinal 
eanal is effected by the alternate contraction and relaxation of the 
muscular coat of the intestines. When that action is simply increas- 
ed through the whole of the canal, the food passes more rapidly, and 
purging is produced; but the muscles of every part of the frame are 
liable to irregular and spasmodic action, and the muscular coat of 
some portion of the intestines may be thus affected. A species of 
cramp may attack a portion of the intestines. The spasm may be 
confined to a small part of the canal. The gut has been found, after 
death, strangely contracted in various places, contraction not extend- 
ing above five or six inches in any of them. In the horse, the ileum,. 
last portion of the small intestines, is the usual seat of this disease. It 
is of much importance to distinguish between spasmodic colic and 
inflammation of the bowels, for the symptoms have considerable re- 
semblance, although the mode of treatment should be very different. 

Symptoms.' — -The attack of colic is usually very sudden. There 
is often not the slightest warning. The horse begins to shift his 
posture, look round at his flanks, paw violently, strike his belly with 
his feet, lie down, roll, and that frequently on his back. In a few 
minutes the pain seems to cease, the horse shakes himself, and begins 
to feed ; but, on a sudden, the spasm returns more violently, every 
indication of pain is increased, he heaves at the flanks, breaks out into 
a profuse perspiration, and throws himself more violently about. In 
the space of an hour or two, either the spasms begin to relax, and the 
remissions are of longer duration, or the torture is augmented at every 
paroxysm, the intervals of ease are fewer and less marked, and in- 
flammation and death supervene. 

Of the symptoms by which it may best be distinguished from in- 
flammation of the bowels, see note below.* 

Cause. — Among the causes of colic are, the drinking of cold water 
when the horse is heated. There is not a surer cause of violent 

*A Table for distinguishing between the Colic or Gripes, and inflammation of 
the bowels of horses, by the symptoms that mark the character of each. 

Spasmodic or flatulent eolie. Inflammation of the bowels. 

1. Pulse natural, though sometimes a 1. Pulse very quick and small, 
little lower. 

2. The horse lies down and rolls upon 2. He lies down and suddenly rises up 
his back. again, seldom rolling upon his back. 

3. The legs and ears are generally 3. Legs and ears generally cold, 
warm. 

4. Attacks suddenly, is never preceded, 4. In general, attacks gradually, is 
and seldom accompanied by any symp- commonly preceded, and always accom- 
torns of fever. panied by symptoms of fever. 

5. There are frequently short intermis- 5. No intermissions can be observed* 
sions* 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE EARRIER. 159 

spasm than this. Colic will sometimes follow the exposure of a 
horse to the cold air, or a cold wind after violent exercise. Green 
food, although, generally speaking, most beneficial to the horse, yet 
given in too large a quantity, or when the horse is hot, will frequent- 
ly produce gripes. In some horses there seems to be a constitutional 
predisposition to colic. They cannot be hardly worked, or exposed 
to unusual cold, without a fit of it. In many cases, when these horses 
have died, stones have been found in some part of the alimentary 
canal. 

Cure. — Fortunately, we are acquainted with several medicines that 
allay these spasms ; and the disease often ceases almost as suddenly 
as it appeared. Turpentine is one of the most powerful remedies, 
especially if given in union with opium. Three ounces of spirit or 
oil of turpentine, with an ounce of laudanum, given in a pint of warm 
ale, will frequently have an almost instantaneous effect. If relief be 
not obtained in half an hour, it will be prudent to bleed, because the 
continuance of violent spasm will produce inflammation. Some 
practitioners bleed at first, and it is far from bad practice ; for although 
the majority of cases will yield to turpentine, opium, and aloes, an 
early bleeding may occasionally prevent the recurrence of inflamma- 
tion, or at least mitigate it. If it be clearly a case of colic, half of 
the first dose may be repeated, with a full ounce of Barbadoes aloes 
dissolved in warm water. The stimulus produced on the inner sur- 
face of the bowels by the purgative may counteract the irritation 
which caused the spasm. The belly should be well rubbed with a 
brush or warmed cloth. The horse should be walked about or trot- 
ted moderately. The motion thus produced in the bowels, and the 
friction of one intestine over the other, may relax the spasm, but the 
hasty gallop may speedily cause inflammation to succeed to colic. 
Clysters of warm water, or containing a solution of aloes, will be in- 
jected — and the horse kept in a warm stall, and have bran mashes 
for the next two or three days, and drink only lukewarm water. 

Sect. 210. 

Remedies for spasmodic colic, from the American Turf Register 
and Stud Magazine : 

No. 103. — Remedies for colic. 

a. — Take from the neck vein, half a gallon of blood ; take of lauda- 
num, one ounce, or mint tea, one quart, milk warm ; mix them well 
in a bottle, and give the contents as a drench : let the horse be well 
rubbed under the belly, and prepare and give an injection of meal, 
water, molasses, salt, and hog's lard, milk warm. 

b. — Take of mint tea, one and a-half pint; gin, or any spirituous 
liquor ; one-half pint ; mix them well in a bottle, and give them as a 
drench, taking care to rub him well. Should it not have the desired 
effect in fifteen minutes, repeat the dose. 

c— Take of camphor, a quarter of an ounce ; oil of turpentine, 
one-half ounce ; mint tea, one pint ; mix them in a bottle, and give 



160 the farmer's complete farrier. 

them as a drench. Confine the horse in a close stable, cover him 
wi'h three or four blankets, and under his belly place a tub of boiling 
water, which will readily throw him into a profuse sweat, and relieve 
him from pain. 

d. — In addition to the above, clysters ought to be administered, b}^ 
injecting the following ingredients, viz: water, one-half gallon; salt, 
one handful ; oil of any kind, one pint; molasses, one pint; mix the 
whole, and inject it; and repeat it every half hour, until the bowels 
are well opened. 

Sect. 211. 
We shall add the following dipt from the Practical Farmer r 
N.o- 104. — Remedies for the colic. 

a. — Drench. 

Take anise, fennel, cumin, and wormwood seed, one-half ounce, 
of each, and decoct it in wine, and give the horse one quart of the 
mixture at one drenching. 

b. — Another drench. 

Take alcohol, rectified spirits of nitre, one ounce of each, and put 
them into a quart of warm water ; drench the horse with it ; ride him 
then until he sweats freely, and rub him off carefully; and apply to 
his abdomen, bags with the following ingredients in them, well warm- 
ed : Eight handfuls of bran ; rue, cumin and aniseed, of each, one 
ounce ; calamint, three handfuls ; and the whole well mixed and 
warmed, and applied immediately. 

c. — Another* 

Take of Venice turpentine, one ounce ; beat it up with the yolk of 
an egg, and then add of peppermint water or even of cinnamon water, 
if the other is not at hand, one pint and a-half, and two ounces of 
whisky or gin, and give it to the horse. 

Or: 

Take of table beer, a ljttle warmed, one and a-half pint; common 
pepper or powdered ginger, one tea spoonful ; gin, whisky, or rum, 
from two to four ounces, or from one to two glasses full ; these mix- 
ed together for one dose. 

d. — Another. 

Take oil of turpentine, one ounce; and water gruel, one and a- 
half pint, mixed for a dose. 

The editor of the Southern Agriculturist says, the following dose 
has been administered, when the horse was perfectly cold and stiff, 
and it restored him: 

e. — Take of laudanum, six or seven table spoonfuls; of mustard 
the larger portion of a bottle ; mix these in a pint of whisky, or water, 



161 

and give the mixture in a horn or bottle to the horse. When the 
severe pain has been alleviated, a dose of oil should be given. One 
pint will answer a dose. 

The following, called White's ball for gripes, is highly recom- 
mended. The ball is composed of the following ingredients : 

f. — Castile soap, three drams ; camphor, two drams; ginger, one 
and a-half dram ; and Venice turpentine, six drams ; to be made into 
a ball for one dose. 

This ball may be preserved for a long time, if carefully wrapped 
up in a piece of bladder. 

The following has proved itself a good remedy in the colic, as a 
drench : 

g. — Take balsam copaiva, one ounce ; oil of juniper, one dram ; 
spirit of nitrous ether, one-half ounce ; mint water, one pint ; mix 
for one dose. 

We shall conclude this article by adding, that Clark, who has ex- 
pressly written on colic or gripes, extols the virtues of the following 
mixture so highly, that no agriculturist, coach master or owner of a 
horse should be without it: 

h.— Take half a pound of ground allspice ; of spirits of wine, and 
of water, each, a pint and a-half; infuse these together, and keep it 
for use. Give a quarter of a pint every hour until relief is obtained; 
hand-rubbing, wisping, or fomenting the bowels with hot water at the 
same time. 

Sect. 212. 

No. 105. — For colic. 

Take tincture of colt's foot, six ounces ; treacle, or theriac, one- 
half ounce ; anise and fennel oil, of each, twenty-five drops ; give it 
at one time as a drench. 

No. 106. — Another. 

Schneyder says : Take a large table spoonful of turnep or mustard 
seed, bruised, and put into one gill of rum or spirits ; mixed with a 
strong decoction of sassafras root, one pint, and give at once — it will 
afford instant relief. 

Sect. 213. 

c. — Inflammation of bowels — Entzuendung der Fingeweide.-Ger. 

There are two varieties of this malady. The first is inflamma- 
tion of the external coats of the intestines, accompanied by con- 
siderable fever and costiveness. The second is that of the internal 
or mucous coat, usually the consequence of an over-dose of physic, 
accompanied by violent purging. We will here speak of the first of 
these affections. It has been divided into inflammation of the peri- 
toneal coat, and that of the muscular : but the causes, symptoms, and 
treatment of both are so much alike, that it would be raising unneces- 
sary difficulties to endeavor to distinguish between them, lnflamma- 



162 the farmer's complete farrier. 

tion of the external coats of the stomach, whether the peritoneal or 
muscular, or both, is a very frequent and fatal disease. It speedily 
runs its course, and it is of great consequence that its early symptoms 
should be known. If the horse has been carefully observed, restless- 
ness and fever will have been seen to precede the attack ; in many 
cases a direct shivering fit will be observed : the mouth will be hot, 
and the nose red. The horse will soon express the most dreadful 
pain by pawing, striking at his belly, looking wildly at his flanks, 
groaning and rolling. The pulse will be quickened and small; the 
ears and legs cold ; the belly tender and sometimes hot ; the breath- 
ing quickened ; the bowels costive ; and the horse becoming rapidly 
and fearfully weak. 

It may be useful to give a short table of the distinguishing symp- 
toms of colic and inflammation of the bowels, because the treatment 
recommended for the former would often be fatal to the latter. 

Colic. Inflammation of the boivels. 

1. Sudden in its attack. 1. Gradual in its approach, with pre- 

vious indications of fever. 

2. Pulse rarely much quickened in the 2. Pulse very much quickened, but 
early period of the disease, and during the small, and often scarcely to be felt, 
intervals of disease : but evidently fuller. 

3. Legs and ears of the natural tern- 3. Legs and ears cold, 
perature. 

4. Relief obtained from rubbing the 4. Belly exceedingly tender and pain- 
belly, ful to the touch. 

5. Relief obtained from motion. 5. Motion evidently increasing the pain. 

6. Intervals of rest. 6. Constant pain. 

7. Strength scarcely affected. 7. Rapid and great weakness. 

Causes.— The causes of this disease are, first of all, and most fre- 
quently, sudden exposure to cold. If a horse that has been highly 
fed, carefully groomed, and kept in a warm stable, be heated with 
exercise, and have been for some hours without food ; and in this 
state of exhaustion be suffered to drink freely of cold water, or be 
drenched with rain, or have his legs and belly washed with cold wa- 
ter, an attack of inflammation of the bowels will often follow. An 
over-fed horse subjected to severe and long-continued exertion, if his 
lungs were previously weak, will probably be attacked by inflamma- 
tion of them ; but if the lungs were sound, the bowels will on the fol- 
lowing day be the seat of disease. Stones in the intestines are an 
occasional cause of inflammation, and colic neglected, or wrongly 
treated, will terminate it. 

The treatment of inflammation of the bowels, like that of the lungs, 
should be prompt and energetic. The first and most powerful means 
of cure will be bleeding. From six to eight or ten quarts of blood 
should be taken as soon as possible, and the bleeding repeated to the 
extent of four or five quarts more if the pain be not relieved, and the 
pulse have not become rounder and fuller. The speedy weakness 
that accompanies this disease should not deter from bleeding largely. 
It is the weakness that is the consequence of violent inflammation of 
these parts, and if that inflammation be subdued by the loss of blood, 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 163 

the weakness will disappear. The bleeding should be effected on the 
first appearance of the disease, for there is no malady that so quickly 
runs its course. 

Next to bleeding will follow ctysters. Although the bowels are 
usually confined, we cannot administer a strong purgative; the intes- 
tines are already in far too irritable a state. The clyster may consist 
of warm water, or very thin gruel, in which half a pound of epsom 
salts, or half an ounce of aloes has been dissolved, and too much fluid 
j:an scarcely be thrown up. If the common ox-bladder and pipe be 
used, it should be frequently replenished. The horse may likewise 
be encouraged to drink plentifully of warm water or thin gruel ; and 
draughts, each containing a couple of drams of dissolved aloes, may 
be given every six hours, until the bowels are freely opened. 

Next, it will be prudent to endeavor to excite considerable external 
inflammation, as near as possible to the seat of internal disease, and 
therefore the whole of the belly should be blistered. In a well-marked 
case of this inflammation, no time should be lost in applying fomenta- 
tions, but the blister should be at once resorted to. The tincture of 
Spanish flies, whether made of spirit of wine or turpentine, should 
be rubbed well in. The legs should be well bandaged, to restore the 
circulation to them, and thus lessen the flow of blood to the inflamed 
part, and for the same reason the horse should be warmly clothed, but 
the air of the stable should be cool. 

No corn or hay should be given during the disease, but bran mashes, 
and green food if it can be procured. The latter will be the best of all 
food, and may be given without the slightest apprehension of danger. 
When the horse begins to recover, he may get a handful of corn two 
or three times in the day, and, if the weather be warm, may be turned 
into a small enclosure for a few hours, in the middle of the day. 
Clysters of gruel should be continued for three or four days after the 
inflammation is beginning to subside, and good hand-rubbing applied 
to the legs. 

The second variety of inflammation of the bowels affects the inter- 
nal or mucous coat, and is generally the consequence of physic given 
in too great quantity, or of an improper kind. The purging is more 
violent, and continues longer than was intended ; the animal shows 
that he is suffering great pain ; he frequently looks around at his flanks; 
his breathing is laborious, and the pulse is quick and small ; not so 
small, however, as in inflammation of the peritoneal coat, and, contrary 
to some of the most frequent and characteristic symptoms of that dis- 
ease, the mouth is hot, and the legs and ears are warm. Unless the 
purging is excessive, and the pain and distress great, we should hesi- 
tate at administering any astringent medicine at first. We should 
plentifully administer gruel, or thin starch, or arrow-root, by the mouth 
and by clyster, removing all hay and corn, and particularly green 
food. We should endeavor thus to sheath the irritated surface of the 
bowels, while we permit any remains of the medicine to be carried 
off. If, however, twelve hours should pass, and the purging and the 
pain remain undiminished, we should continue the gruel, but add to it 
chalk, catechu, and opium, in doses of an ounce of the first, a quarter 



164 the farmer's complete farrier. 

of an ounce of the second, and two scruples of the last, repeated 
every six hours. As soon as the purging begins to subside, the as- 
tringent medicine should be lessened in quantity, and gradually dis- 
continued. Bleeding will rarely be necessary unless the inflammation 
be very great, and attended by symptoms of general fever. The 
horse should be warmly clothed, and be placed in a warm stable, and 
his legs should be hand-rubbed and bandaged. 

Violent purging, and attended with much inflammation and fever, 
will sometimes occur from other causes. Green food will sometime^ 
purge. A horse worked hard upon green food will scour. The 
remedy is change of diet, or less labor. Young horses will scour, 
and sometimes without any apparent cause. Astringents should be 
used with much caution here. It is probably an effort of nature to 
get rid of something that offends. A few doses of gruel will assist 
in effecting this purpose, and the purging will cease without the use 
of astringent medicine. 

As this disease has lately prevailed, in some parts of the United 
States, we will add a section on scouring. 

Sect. 214. 

d.— Scours or scoivers — Durchlauff. — Ger. 

This disease has heretofore been more prevalent among cows and 
oxen than among horses ; some four or five years, it prevailed to an 
alarming extent in Cayuga, Onondaga, and other counties in New 
York, and proved very destructive. The editor of the Genesee 
Farmer says, the scours resembles in its attack the cholera or dysen- 
tery of the human race ; it reduces the flesh rapidly, prostrates all 
strength at once, and unless checked soon, is speedily fatal. Some 
few may live, or may be relieved from the ravages of this fatal dis- 
ease, if the remedial treatment is commenced in season ; though 
more die than recover, of the whole number attacked by the diseases. 
No remedy that can be termed a specific has as yet been discovered ; 
and in severe cases, large doses of opium administered in substance, 
have proved most successful in checking the disease, and giving nature 
time to rally. No certain cause of the disease can be assigned ; but 
it is generally supposed to be in some way produced by the effect of 
the season on vegetation, as those kept in stables and fed on hay or 
grain, are rarely ever attacked. May not the same atmospheric 
changes that so derange the nutritive functions in wheat as to produce 
rust, operate so extensively on the grasses, as to injure them as food 
and render them liable to occasion disease and death in the animal ? 

S. Porter Rhoades recommends the following : 

No. 108. — Scours in horses. 

If the horse is in a good condition, take two or three quarts of 
blood, and then take one ounce of each, anise seed, caraway seed, 
and grains of paradise in powder ; and half an ounce aromatic con- 
fection, and two ounces balsam of sulphur ; beat the balsam of sul- 
phur up with the yolk of an egg, then mix the powders, and give the 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 165 

whole in a pint of gruel, with a wine glass of brandy, and two table 
spoonfuls of sugar, and give the above mixture once a day for three 
days in succession. 

From whatever cause the scours may proceed — in its successful 
treatment, warm clothing on the horse is particularly required in this 
complaint, and exercise should not be neglected. 

No, 109. — Scouring or diarrhea. 
[ Genesee Farmer, Vol. II., p. 149.] 

I lately had the care of a horse that was very ill with diarrhea or 
scouring ; and as the disease proved obstinate, it may be useful to 
others to know how we eventually succeeded. He had been sick for 
ten ortwelvedays. His ears, nose, legs, became cold ; and his owner 
expected him to die. 

Castor oil, opium, brandy, and alkaline medicine were all exhibited 
by drenching, and some others by injection ; but the disease continu- 
ed, attended with great thirst. Water was not allowed except when 
medicated : had it been, I think he must soon have died, for the 
symptoms were aggravated whenever he was indulged ; but within a 
day or two after the following plan was strictly adhered to, he grew 
better. He was confined to the stable, covered with a blanket, and 
allowed nothing but hay, oats, and slippery elm drink. 

At first he had but very little appetite, and no relish for such drink; 
but when green food and cold water were withheld, the occasional 
cause of the disease was removed ; and with his appetite, the natural 
heat returned. 

In procuring elm bark, the dry rough part should be removed, as it 
Tenders the drink more unpalatable. A hatful is enough at one time. 
Put it into a pail, and pour on scalding water; stir it to diffuse the 
mucilage ; and when cool enough, it may be set before the horse ; but 
he will be in no hurry to drink it. The same bark will do for several 
times. This method is better than to make five pailfuls at once in 
an iron kettle, as it would soon ferment in hot weather, and the metal 
impart a disagreeable taste. 

On inquiry, I find that horses are not unfreqnently lost in this dis- 
ease ; and a sense of duty has overcome my reluctance to hold the 
pen. Oxen are also occasionally seized with the same complaint. 
My next neighbor effected a cure the other day, by putting dry flour 
in a bag and boiling it thoroughly. When cold it was pulverized 
and a quart given for a dose. The ox is generally willing to take it, 
and one dose has proved sufficient. — a farmer. 

The cure above recommended was subsequently tried, and proved 
effectual. — See Gen. Farmer, Vol. II., p. 179, for the year 1837-38. 

Diegendesch recommends the following: 

No. 110. — To cure scouring in horses. 

Take burnt or calcined bones of a horse, six ounces ; root of tor- 
mentil or septfoil, powdered, three ounces ; give the horse three 
spoonfuls in his feed daily. 



166 the farmer's complete farrier. 

The following is strongly recommended for the lax or scouring in 
horses : 

No. 111. — Lax or scouring. 

Take glauber salts, two ounces ; epsorn salts, one ounce ; green 
vitriol, four grains ; gruel, one-half pint. 

When the lax approaches to dysentery or molten grease, the fol- 
lowing drink should be first given : 

No. 112. — A stringent drink. 

Take castor oil, four ounces ; glauber salts, dissolved, two ounces ; 
powdered rhubarb, half a dram ; powdered opium; gruel, one pint: 
mixed. 

Sect. 215. 
e. — Worms — JVuermer. — Ger. 

Worms of different kinds inhabit the intestines ; but except when 
they exist in very great numbers, they are not so hurtful as is gene- 
rally supposed, although the groom may trace to them hidebound, 
and cough, and loss of appetite, and gripes, and megrims, and a va- 
riety of other ailments. Of the origin or mode of propagation of 
these parasitical animals we will say nothing; neither writers on 
medicine, nor even on natural history, have given us any satisfactory 
account of the matter. 

The long white worm (lumbricus teres) much resembling the com- 
mon earth worm, and, being from six to ten inches long, inhabits the 
small intestines. It is a formidable looking animal, and if there are 
many of them they may consume more than can be spared of the nu- 
tritive part of the food or the mucous of the bowels; and we think 
that we have seen a tight skin, and rough coat, and tucked up belly, 
connected with their presence. They have then, however, been 
voided in large quantities, and when they are not thus voided we 
should be disposed to trace these appearances to other causes. A 
dose of physic will sometimes bring away almost incredible quantities 
of them. Calomel is frequently given as a vermifuge. The less 
frequently this drug is administered to the horse the better. It is the 
principal ingredient in some quack medicines for the expulsion of 
worms in the human subject, and thence, perhaps, it came to be used 
for the horse, but in him we believe it to be inert as a vermifuge, or 
only useful as quickening the operation of the aloes. When the 
horse can be spared, a strong dose of physic is an excellent vermi- 
fuge, so far as the long round worm is concerned; but perhaps a bet- 
ter medicine, and not interfering with either the feeding or work of 
the horse, is two drams of emetic tartar, with a scruple of ginger, 
made into a ball, with linseed meal and molasses, and given every 
morning half an hour before the horse is fed. 

A smaller, darker colored worm, called the needle worm, or asca- 
ris, inhabits the large intestines. Hundreds of them sometimes de- 
scend into the rectum, and immense quantities have been found in 



THE FARMER^ COMPLETE FARRIER. 167 

the coecum. These are a more serious nuisance than the former, for 
they cause a very troublesome irritation about the fundament, which 
sometimes sadly annoys the horse. Their existence can generally 
be discovered, by a small portion of mucous, which hardening, is 
converted into a powder, and is found about the anus. Physic will 
sometimes bring away great numbers of these Avorms, but when there 
is much irritation about the tail, and much of this mucous indicating 
that they have descended into the rectum, an injection of a quart of 
linseed oil, or of an ounce of aloes dissolved in warm water, will be 
a more effectual remedy. 

The taenia or the tape worm, is seldom found in the horse. 

Remedies.— The best remedy is the spigelia Marylandica or Car- 
olina pink, in daily doses of half an ounce, to draw off or expel the 
teres. Every part of the spigelia Marylandica is possessed of anthel- 
mintic properties, though the root is most active. 

The ascaris or thread worms, are best removed by mercurial pur- 
gatives. Blaine recommends the following vermifuge : 

No. 113. — Vermifuge. 

Take powdered arsenic, eight grains ; tin finely scraped, one-half 
ounce ; made into a ball, and given every morning. 

In Dr. Bartlet's Farriery, we find the following recommended to 
free the animal from worms : 

No. 114. — Cure for bots and worms. 

Take quicksilver, two drams; Venice turpentine, one-half ounce: 
rub the quicksilver till no glistening appears; then take an ounce of 
aloes; a dram of grated ginger, thirty drops of oil of savin, and syrup 
of buckthorn enough to make the whole into a ball; one of these 
balls may be given every six days, with the usual precautions with v 
regard to mercurial physic ; and the following powders intermedi- 
ately : 

Take powdered tin and iEthiop's mineral, of each, an ounce, and 
give it every night in a mash, or in corn. These remedies should be 
continued several weeks. 

To expel the tcenia or tape w r orm, if any now and then exist, give 
weekly doses of the oil of turpentine, three ounces at a time, mixed 
by means of the yolk of an egg, with a-half pint of ale. 

The following is from a "Dutch book," by Von Froostein, page 
943: 

No. 115. — Remedy to expel worms. 

Take savin, tansy, agaric or boletus, of each, one-half ounce ; 
chalk, asafetida, of each, one-half ounce; calcined or burnt deer's 
horn, three ounces; Cyanne pepper, one-half ounce; spigelia Mary- 
landica, pulverized, two ounces, mixed; put into two quarts of wine, 
simmered over a slow fire till it is boiled down to three pints, where- 
of give the horse one pint every other morning before the horse has 



168 the farmer's complete farrier. 

eaten any thing. Cure never failed, if continued for several weeks. 
See Appendix — Article, Worms or bots. 

Sect. 216. 
The liver. 

Between the stomach and the diaphragm, its right lobe or division 
in contact with the diaphragm, the duodenum and the right kidney 
and the middle and left divisions with the stomach, is the liver. It 
is an irregular shaped, reddish-brown substance of considerable bulk, 
and performs a very singular and important office. 

The blood, which has been conveyed to the different parts of the 
body by the arteries, is carried back to the heart by the veins ; but 
that which is returned from the stomach and intestines, and spleen, 
and pancreas, and mesentery, instead of flowing directly to the heart, 
passes first through the liver. It enters by two large vessels which 
spread by means of innumerable minute branches through every part 
of the liver. As the blood traverses this organ, a fluid is separated 
from it, called the bile. This is probably a kind of excrement, the 
continuance of which in the blood would be injurious; but while this 
is thrown off, another important purpose is answered; the process of 
digestion is promoted, and particularly by the bile changing the nutri- 
tive part of the food from chyme into chyle, and separating it from 
that which, containing little or no nutriment, is voided as excrement. 

The bile, thus formed, is in most animals received into a reservoir, 
the gall-bladder, whence it is conveyed into the duodenum at the 
times, and in the quantities, which the purposes of digestion require ; 
but the horse has no gall-bladder, and, consequently, the bile flows 
into the intestine as fast as it is separated from the blood. The rea- 
son of this is plain ; a small stomach was given to the horse, that the 
food might quickly pass out of it, and the diaphragm and the lungs 
might not be injuriously pressed upon, when we require his utmost 
speed ; and that we might use him with little danger compared with 
that which would attach to other animals, even when his stomach is 
distended with food. Then the stomach, so small, and so speedily 
emptied, must be oftener replenished ; the horse must be oftener eat- 
ing, and food must be oftener passing out of his stomach; and, con- 
sequently, there is no necessity for this reservoir. The ox occupies 
a long time in filling his paunch, and it is only during rumination that 
the food passes into the true stomach to be digested. The meal of 
the dog is speedily swallowed. They need a gall-bladder to contain 
the bile which continues to be secreted when it cannot be used ; but 
to the horse, so frequently eating, it would be useless: 

Sect. 217. 

f. — Inflammation of the liver — Leber Entzuendung. — Ger. 

Is a disease of rare occurrence in the horse. He is not expUsed 
to the causes which produce that complaint in other animals. Al- 



16§ 

though his food is sometimes highly nutritive, the work winch is 
exacted from him prevents it from unduly stimulating this imp rtarrt 
organ; and when inflammation of the liver does occur, it is with so 
much difficulty distinguished from that of the bowels-, that if the yel- 
lowness of the eyes and skin are not present, even the professional 
man is liable to be deceived. 

Bleeding from, or rupture of the liver, is another disen. ? old 
horses, and especially of those that have been highly fed. Ii Is oene- 
rally fatal, but of unfrequent occurrence; it is recognized by the fre- 
quent and feeble pulse, the pawing and sighing of the animal, the 
coldness of the extremities, whiteness of the eye and mouth, hilness 
of the belly, and speedy debility. 

Sect. 218. 

g.— Jaundice— Gelbsucht. — -Get. 

Commonly called the yellows, is a more tractable disease, and a 
little more frequent. It is the introduction of bile into the s v aeral 
^circulation, and which is usually caused by some obstruction in the 
ducts or tubes which convey the bile from the liver to the inter r'.nes^, 
The horse, however, has but one duct, through which the bile usually 
flows as quickly as it is formed, and there is no gall-bladder in vs hich 
it can become thickened, and even hardened into masses so hr.«'d as 
to be very appropriately called gall-stones. Jaundice does, however, 
occasionally appear either from an increased flow or altered quality 
of the bile, or obstruction even in this simple tube. The yellowness 
of the eyes and mouth, and of the skin where it is not covered with 
hair, mark it sufficiently plainly. The dung is small and hard ; the 
urine high colored; the horse languid, and the appetite impaired. 

It is first necessary to inquire whether this affection of the liver be 
not the consequence of the sympathy of this organ with some other 
part; for, to a very considerable degree, it frequently accompanies 
inflammation of the bowels and the lungs. These diseases being sub- 
dued, jaundice will disappear. If there be no other disease to any 
great extent, we must endeavor to restore the natural passage of the 
bile by purgatives, not consisting of large doses, lest there should be 
some undetected inflammation of the lungs or bowels, in either of 
which a strong purgative would be dangerous ; but given in small 
quantities, repeated at short intervals, and until the bowels are freely 
opened. Two drams of aloes, and one of calomel, given twice every 
day, will be as much as can at all times be administered with safety. 
Bleeding should always be resorted to, regulated according to the 
apparent degree of inflammation, and the occasional stupor of the 
animal. Plenty of water slightly warmed, or thin gruel, should be 
given; the horse should be warmly clothed, and the stable well ven- 
tilated, but not cold. Carrots or green food will be very beneficial. 
Should the purging, when once excited, prove violent, we should be 
in no haste to stop it, unless inflammation is beginning to be connect- 
ed with it, or the horse is very weak. The medicine recommended 
under scouring may then be given. A few slight tonics should be 
12 



170 THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER?. 

given when the horse is recovering from an attack of strangles. Two 
drams each of gentian and camomile, with one of ginger, will form 
a useful ball. 

Besides the remedies already recommended, the following will 
prove beneficial : 

If costiveness, which is a general attendant upon this disease, give 
No. 116, every morning, until moderate purging is produced ; but if 
the bowels are already open, or in a stage of purging, give No. 117, 
every morning. The horse's strength should be supported by a 
water gruel of malt or Indian corn. 

No. 1 16. — Jaundice ball. 

Take calomel, one-half dram ; Barbadoes aloes, one and a-half dram ; 
Castile soap and rhubarb, of each, three drams; to be made into a 
ball with syrup, for one dose. 

No; 117.— Another. - 

Take calomel and opium, of each, one dram; Colombo root, pow- 
dered, three drams ; powdered ginger, one-half dram ; to be made into 
a ball with syrup for one dose. 

No. 118. — Another. 

Take one-quarter ounee gamboge; one-half ounce saltpetre; one 
ounce alum ; one ounce copperas. Pulverize all these ingredients^ 
and put the whole into a bottle with four gills of cold water; stop it 
tight, shake it well, and let it stand one night; it is then fit for use. 

Give one table spoonful of the mixture three mornings running, 
then omitting three mornings, repeat the dose as before, and so on 
until the horse has taken nine doses. A rowel is to be made in the 
breast as soon as the use of the medicine commences, turning it once 
a day. 

Working the horse or bleeding him within three months is for- 
bidden. 

No. ll9.—Another. 

Take of walnut tree bark, red oak bark, sassafras roots, spicewood 
twigs, young pine tops, the running black briar roots, of each, as 
much as can be grasped in both hands ; boil in four gallons of water 
to two ; then add half a pint of soft soap ; dose a quart of this decoc- 
tion morning and evening, adding to each dose a tea spoonful of cop- 
peras. The horse should be stabled at night. This receipt is com- 
municated by one of the principal planters of Wake, who assures us 
that he has repeatedly witnessed its efficacy. 

No. 120.— To cure the yellow tvater. 

Take one quart of wine or sour cider; one bottle of mustard seed; 
mix it together, and give it to the horse in two doses, one in the 
morning, the other in the evening; as soon as the dose is administer- 
ed move him till he gets warm. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 171 

Schneyder recommends the following- as an infallible cure : 

No. 121. — Cure for yellows. 

Take Venice soap, juniper oil, saltpetre, nitrate of potassa, sweet 
spirits of nitre, of each, one ounce ; take powdered licorice root, and 
make the mixture into balls of two ounces weight each, and give one 
ball at a time, and repeat at pleasure till a cure is effected. If fever 
or heat accompany, bleed gently ; keep the horse in a cool stable, and 
feed him manger meat, or bran and oats mashes. — Proved. 

No. 122. — Jaundice drink. 

Bartlet says : Take madder root and turmeric, of each, four ounces ; 
burdock root sliced, half a pound; Monk's rhubarb, four ounces ; lico- 
rice sliced, two ounces. Boil in a gallon of rain or river water to 
three quarts ; strain off and sweeten with honey ; give a pint of the 
decoction daily on a gentle physic. — See Appendix— Article, Yellow 
water. N 

Sect. 219. 

The kidneys. 

The kidneys are two large glandular bodies whose office it is to 
secrete the urine, the right one is most forward, lying under the liver, 
the left one, is pushed more backward by the stomach and spleen. 

The fluid separated by the kidneys varies materially both in quan- 
tity and composition, even during health. There is no animal in 
which it varies so much as in the horse. There is no organ in that 
animal so much under our command as the kidney, and no medicines 
are so useful, or may be so injurious, as diuretics. In speaking of 
fever and inflammation of the lungs, and indeed inflammation gener- 
ally, we have recommended the use of nitre and digitalis, not only 
on account of their febrifuge or sedative effects, but because they act 
as diuretics. They stimulate the kidneys to separate more aqueous 
fluid than they otherwise would do, and thus lessen the quantity of 
blood; the quantity which the heart is laboring to circulate through 
the frame, and the quantity which is determined or driven to a part 
already overloaded. The main objects we have to accomplish in 
these diseases is to reduce the force of the circulation, and to calm 
the violence of excitement, and diuretics, by lessening the quantity of 
blood, are useful assistants in accomplishing these purposes. It is, 
however, in the varieties of dropsy that their benefit is most evident. 
The horse is more subject to effusions of fluid in particular parts 
than any other domestic animal. Swelled legs is a disease peculiar 
to him. The ox, the sheep, the dog, the ass, and even the mule, 
have it very seldom ; and for the removal of this deposit of fluid in 
the cellular substance of the legs we have recourse to diuretics. The 
kidneys are stimulated to separate more than the usual quantity of 
water from the blood. In order to make up this deficiency in quan- 
tity, the absorbents set to work, and they take up and pour into the 
circulation the fluid which had been effused in the legs. The legs 



172 THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

of many horses cannot be rendered fine, or kept so, without the use' 
of diuretics ; nor can grease, often connected with these swellings,- 
producing them or caused by them, be otherwise subdued. We 
therefore rank diuretics among the most useful of the veterinary 
medicines. 

In injudicious hands, however, these medicines are sadly abused. 
Among, the absurdities of stable management there is nothing so inju- 
rious as the frequent use of diuretics. Not only are the kidneys so 
often over-excited, weakened, disposed to disease, but the whole frame 1 
becomes debilitated, for the absorbents have carried away a great 
part of that which was necessary to the health and condition of the 
horse, in order to supply the deficiency of blood occasioned by the 
inordinate discharge of urine. There is likewise one important fact 
of which the groom or the horseman seldom thinks ; that when he- 
re removing these humors by the imprudent use of diuretics, he is 
only attacking a symptom or consequence of disease, and not the 
disease itself. The legs will fill again, and the grease will return. 
While thecause remains, the effect will be produced. We shall say 
more of this when we treat particularly of these diseases of the ex- 
tremities. 

In the administration of diuretics there are, two things to be chiefly 
attended to. The first is that which seems to be contradictory, but 
the good effect of which the testimony of every intelligent man will 
confirm ; let the horse have plenty to drink. Not only will inflamma- 
tion be prevented, but the operation of the medicine will be much 
promoted. If more water than usual be drunk, a great deal more- 
will be evacuated. The next caution is, that during the administra- 
tion of a diuretic, neither the clothing nor the stable should be toe 
warm, otherwise that which was intended to stimulate the kidney will 
pass off by perspiration ; for it seems to be a law of the frame, that 
what increases the disciiarge from the skin proportionably lessens the 
action of the kidneys. 

The best diuretic, and which given simply to promote an increased 
secretion from the kidneys, supersedes every other, is turpentine ; 
either the common liquid turpentine in doses of half an ounce, and 
made into a ball with linseed meal, and half a dram of ginger ; or, 
what is better, the same quantity of powdered rosin, with two drams 
of linseed meal, and half a dram of ginger, formed into a mass with 
palm oil. In cases of inflammation or fever, nitre or digitalis should 
be used. The spirit of nitrous ether, cremor tartar, and balsam of 
eopaiva, have some diuretic effect. 

Sect. 220. 

h. — Inflammation of the kidney— Nieren-Entzuendung. — Ger. 

Symptoms. — The early symptoms are those of fever generally, 
but the seat of the disease soon becomes evident. The horse looks 
anxiously round at his flanks ; stands with his hinder-legs wide apart ; 
straddles as he walks ; expresses pain in turning ; shrinks when the 



THE FARMERS COMPXETE EARRIEE. 173 

loins are pressed, and some degree of heat is felt there. The urine 
is voided in small quantities, and frequently it is high colored, and 
-sometimes bloody. The attempt to urinate becomes more frequent, 
;and the quantity voided smaller; until the animal strains painfully 
and violently, but the discharge is nearly, or quite suppressed.* The 
pulse is quick and hard; full in the early stage of the disease, but 
■rapidly becoming small, yet not losing its character of hardness. — - 
These symptoms clearly indicate an afection of the urinary organs:; 
'but they do not distinguish inflammation of the kidney from that of 
the bladder. The hand must be introduced into the rectum. If the 
bladder be felt full and hard under the rectum, there is inflammation 
of the neck of the bladder : if the bladder be empty, yet on the por- 
tion of the intestines immediately over it there is more than natural 
heat and tenderness, there is inflammation of the body of the bladdery 
'but if the bladder be empty, and there is no increased heat or tender- 
ness, there is inflammation of the kidney. 

Causes. — Among the causes are improper food. There is no more 
frequent cause than hay that has been mow-burnt, or oats that are 
musty. The farmer should look well to this. Oats that have been 
dried on the kiln acquire a diuretic property, and if horses are long 
fed on them, the continual excitement of this organ which they pro- 
duce will degenerate into inflammation. Too powerful, or too often 
repeated diuretics produce inflammation of the kidney ; or a degree 
of irritation and weakness of that organ, that disposes to inflamma- 
tion from causes that would otherwise have no injurious effect. If a 
horse is strained in the loins, by being urged on, far -or fast, by a 
heavy rider, or by being suddenly pulled up on his haunches, the in- 
flammation of the muscles of the loins is often speedily transferred 
to the kidneys, with which they lie in contact. Exposure to cold is 
another frequent origin of this malady, especially if the horse be 
drenched with rain, or the wet drips upon his loins; and more par- 
ticularly, if he were previously disposed to inflammation, or these 
organs had been previously weakened. For this reason hackney- 
coach horses and others, exposed to the vicissitudes of the weather, 
and often fed on unwholesome provender, have, or should have, their 
loins protected by a leather or a cloth. 

The treatment will only vary from that of inflammation of other 
parts, by the consideration of the peculiarity of the organ affected. 
Bleeding must be promptly resorted to, and carried to its full extent. 
An active purge should next be administered ; and a counter-inflam- 
mation excited as near as possible to the seat of the disease. For 
this purpose, the loins should be fomented with hot water, or covered 
with a mustard poultice ; but no cantharides or turpentine must be 
used, and, most of all, must no diuretic be given internally. When 
the groom finds this difficulty or suppression of staling, he immedi- 

* This disease is called strangury or ischuria ; harnslrenge, in German. Wri- 
ters on disease, say there are four species of ischuria, or suppression of urine. 
We have not space in a note to describe them. When the urine is nearly sup- 
pressed, the disease is called dysuria ,• there are five species of this. 



274 the farmer's complete farrier, 

ately has recourse to n diuretic ball, to force on the urine; and by 
thus farther irritating a part already too much excited, he adds fuel to 
fire, and frequently destroys the horse. When the action of the pur- 
gative begins a little to cease, white hellebore may be administered, 
in doses of a scruple three times a day, with or without emetic tartar. 
The horse should be warmly clothed ; his legs well bandaged, and 
plenty of water offered to him. The food should be carefully ex- 
amined, and any thing that could have excited, or that may prolong 
the irritation, carefully removed. 

We are aware that internal diuretics, do generally more hurt than 
good. We can, however, safely recommend the following, which 
has been used frequently with advantage : 

No. 123.— Cure for strangury. 

Take dulcamara or bitter-sweet, make a strong infusion, one quart; 
a strong infusion of flaxseed, one pint; an infusion of pumpkin seed, 
one pint ; mixed ; give the horse the whole at one dose ; repeat a 
similar dose every twelve hours, for four days — bleeding the horse 
every morning; take from three to five pints of blood.— Pro ved. 

Sect. 22 K 

i. — Diabetes, or profuse staling — Harnfluss. — Ger. 

This is comparatively a rare disease. It is the consequence, gen- 
erally, of undue irritation of the kidney, by bad food or strong diu- 
retics ; and sometimes follows inflammation of the kidney. It can 
seldom be traced in the horse to any disease of the digestive organs. 
The treatment is obscure, and the result often uncertain. It is evi- 
dently increased action of the kidney, and therefore the most rational 
plan of treatment is to endeavor to abate that action ; and nearly the 
same eourse should be pursued in the early stage of diabetes, as in 
actual inflammation ; but the lowering system should not be carried 
to so great an extent. To bleeding, purging, and counter-irritation, 
medicines of an astringent quality should succeed, as catechu, the 
powdered leaf of the whortle-berry, and opium, in doses of two 
drains each of the two first, and half a dram of the last. Very care- 
ful attention should be paid to the food. The hay and oats should 
be of the best quality ; and green food, especially carrots, will be 
very serviceable. 

No. 124. — Cure for diabetes. 

Blaine recommends : Liver of sulphur, two drams ; uva ursi, four 
drams; oak bark, one ounce; catechu, one and a-half ounce; alum, 
one-half dram ; given as a daily drink in a pint of water. 

Dr. Winters recommends the following: 

No. 125. — Cure for diabetes. 

Take juniper berries, one gill; burdock root, three ounces ; marsh- 
mallows, one handful ; garlic, two ounces ; three pints of vinegar ; 
mix — nitrate ; given as a drench. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER, 175 

Mr. White recommends the following: 

No. 126. — Balls for diabetes* 

a. — Take emetic tartar, two drams ; opium, one dram; to be made 
into a ball for one dose. 

b. — Salt of hartshorn, two drams; opium, half a dram; powdered 
ginger, one dram ; licorice root, powdered, three drams; to be made 
into a ball for one dose. 

c. — Powdered Colombo root, three drams ; eascarilla, two drams ; 
salt of steel, two and a-half drams; -prepared kali, one and a-half 
dram; tincture of opium, one-half ounce; to be mixed with strong 
beer, and given as a drink at once. 

Sect. 222. 
j. — Inflammation of the bladder — Entzuendung der Blase.—Get. 

There are two varieties of this disease, inflammation of the body 
of the bladder, and of its neck. The symptoms are nearly the same 
with those of inflammation of the kidney, except that there is rarely 
a total suppression of urine, and there is heat felt in the rectum over 
the situation of the bladder. The causes are the presence of some 
acrid or irritant matter in the urine, or of calculus or stone in the blad- 
der. The treatment will be the same as in inflammation of the kidney, 
except that it is of more consequence that the horse should drink 
freely of water or thin gruel. 

In inflammation of the neck of the bladder, there is the same fre- 
quent voiding of urine in small quantities, generally appearing in an 
advanced stage of the disease, and often ending in almost total sup- 
pression. 

It is spasm of the part, closing the neck of the bladder so power- 
fully, that the contraction of the bladder, and the pressure of the 
muscles, are unable to force out the urine. 

Here the object to be attempted is sufficiently plain. This spasm 
must be relaxed. The most likely means to effect a cure is copious 
bleeding and physic. 

Should not this speedily have effect, another mode of abating 
spasm must be tried. A dram of the powdered opium, made into a 
ball or drink, may be given every two or three hours ; while an active 
blister is applied externally. 

Sect. 223. 

k. — Stone in the bladder — Blasenstein, — Ger. 

Calculous concretions are not uncommon in man, but are seldom 
formed in the bladder of the horse, and there is some reason to believe 
that though gravel is a common term in the farrier's list, that it occurs 
to do much injury. The injuries to which the kidneys are liable, are 
usually mistaken for stone in the bladder. Horses generally void the 
gravel, if any exists, before it has formed into concretions sufficiently 



|76 THE FARMER 5 S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

large to do injury. Should it be perceived that a horse voids occa- 
sionally some gravel, the following may be administered with advan- 
tage, as it will increase the flow of urine, and possibly pass the small; 
particles so as to prevent concretions : 

No. 126.— -Urine drink. 

Take glauber salts, three ounces; nitre, eight drams; dissolve in 
a quart of warm water.- 

Sect. 224. 

1. — Swelled sheath — Schlauchgeschwulst. — -Ger. 

The sheath of the penis is sometimes considerably enlarged. — - 
When at the close of acute diseases, there are swellings and effusions 
of fluid, under the chest and belly, this part seldom escapes. Diuret- 
ics, mixed with a small portion of cordial medicine, will be beneficial, 
although in some extreme cases slight scarifications may be necessary. 
The inside of the sheath is often the seat of disease ; the mucous 
matter naturally secreted there to defend the part from the acrimony 
of the urine, accumulates and becomes exceedingly offensive, and 
produces swelling, tenderness, and even excoriation, and sometimes 
considerable discharge. A little fomentation with warm water, and 
the cleansing of the part with soap and water, aided perhaps by a 
diuretic ball, will speedily remove every inconvenience. Carters are 
much too apt to neglect cleanliness in this respect, 

Diegendesch recommends the following treatment: 
If the sheath is swollen, heat a brick and place it hot upon a cold 
Brick, a wooden or other convenient vessel ; take garlic, cut fine, put 
into a pint of sweet milk, and pour the contents on the hot brick y 
having previously thrown a large rug or blanket over the horse, and 
placed the vessel under him, so as to fumigate the part affected; after- 
wards apply the following ointment; 

No. 127 .—Ointment for swelling. 

Take oil of white lillies, two ounces ; white lead and tincture of 
roses, of each, one ounce ; common powder, one-half ounce ; saffron; 
one dram ; triturate or rub the whole in a mortar, and grease the sheath 
well. Afterwards apply the following fomentation : 

No. 128. — Fomentation for swelling. 

Take nightshade, mugwort, camomile and celandine, of each, two 
handfuls; cut fine, bruised, and as much warm water as to make a 
strong decoction, and foment. — See Appendix — Article, Swellings. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 177 

Sect. 225. 

E. — Diseases of extremities; of the fore and hinder-legs. 

a. — Sprain of the shoulders — Verrenkungen der Schultern. — Ger. 

Sprains or strains of shoulder are not half as frequent as is usually- 
supposed ; most of the lameness attributed to the shoulder, has its 
seat elsewhere ; other parts are affected ; particularly the feet. Out 
of one hundred and twenty cases of lameness before, Blaine found 
that three only arose from ligamentary or muscular extension of the 
shoulder, or rather of the abductor and sustaining muscles ; when 
shoulder strain does happen, it is commonly the consequence of some 
slip, by which the arm is forced violently forwards. It is less to be 
wondered at than at first seems probable, that farriers mistake foot 
lameness for shoulder strains, when we reflect that a contracted foot 
occasions inaction, and favoring of the limb ; which thus wastes the 
muscles of the shoulder. Seeing that one shoulder is smaller than 
the other, the evil is attributed to that, and it is pegged, blistered, 
swam, and tired, to the torture of the animal and the increase of the 
foot's contraction by the confinement. In real shoulder strains, the 
toe is dragged along the ground while in motion ; at rest it is planted 
forward, but resting on the point of the toe. When the lameness is 
in tlie foot, the horse points his foot forward also, but he does so with 
the whole limb unbent, and the foot flat. These differences are 
highly necessary to be attended to, as well as the peculiar difficulty 
there is in moving down hill, which he does with reluctance, and by 
swinging his leg round to avoid flexing it. This lameness may be 
further brought to the test by lifting up the fore-leg considerably, 
which, if the evil be in the shoulder, will give evident pain. The 
muscles between the fore-legs are likewise tumefied and tender in these 
cases. 

Treatment. — In sprain of the internal muscles of the shoulder, 
few local measures can be adopted. The horse should be bled from 
the vein on the inside of the arm, because the blood is then abstract- 
ed more immediately from the inflamed part. A dose of physic 
should be given, and fomentations applied, and principally on the 
inside of the arm, close to the chest; while the horse is kept as quiet 
as possible. The injury is too deeply seated for external stimulants 
to have very great effect, yet a blister will very properly be resorted 
to, if the lameness is not speedily removed. The swimming of the 
horse is an inhuman practice ; it tortures the animal, and increases 
the inflammation. The pegging of the shoulder (puncturing the skin, 
and blowing into the cellular structure beneath, until it is considera- 
bly puffed up) is another relic of ignorance and barbarity. 

Loudon's treatment, in the main, agrees with the above. The 
treatment, he says, consists, when the sprain is recent, in bleeding 
in the plate vein, rowelling in the chest, and fomenting with hot water 
two or three times a day. When the heat and tenderness have sub- 
sided, first bathe daily with the astringent wash, No. 129, for a week; 



178 THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

and afterwards, if necessary, proceed to blister with No. 130, in the 
usual manner. 

No. 129. — Astringent wash. 

Take sugar of lead, two drams ; white vitriol, one dram ; strong 
infusion of oak, or elm bark, one pint ; mix, apply. 

No. 130. — Sprain blister. 

Take euphorbium, powdered, one ounce ; oil of vitriol, two scru- 
ples ; Spanish flies, six ounces ; palm oil or lard, resin, of each, one 
pound ; oil of turpentine, three ounces. Melt the resin with lard or 
palm oil. Having previously mixed the oil of vitriol with an ounce 
of water, gradually add this mixture to the melted mass ; which again 
set on a very slow fire for ten minutes more ; afterwards remove the 
whole, and when beginning to cool, add the powders previously 
mixed together. 

Nachrichter recommends the following plaster for shoulder sprains. 
Before applying the plaster, shave the hair clean from the seat of pain : 

No. 131. — Sprain plaster. 

Take one-half pound of resin; turpentine, four ounces; damwort, 
or wallwort, powdered, three ounces; goat's beard root, two ounces; 
and bole pulverized, three ounces ; aloes, one-half ounce ; mastic, one 
ounce. Melt the resin and turpentine ; let it cool some, then add the 
other ingredients to the melted mass ; set it over a slow fire for a few 
minutes ; take it off and stir, till it is formed into a consistent plaster, 
which spread on a piece of leather, or strong linen cloth, and apply it 
to the shaven part. 

Sect. 226. 

b. — Broken knees — Kniebruch.< — Ger. 

Broken knees occur frequently, and their proper treatment is a sub- 
ject of no small importance ; for many horses are rendered useless, and 
others are sadly blemished by wounds in the knee joint. The horse 
when falling, naturally throws his knees forward; being placed in 
this position, they receive the whole weight and impetus of the horse, 
and are sometimes extensively lacerated or greatly bruised and 
wounded. If this is the case, the first thing to be attended to, is care- 
fully to wash the injured parts with warm water, to cleanse the wound 
from all gravel and dirt. It should then be ascertained whether the 
joint is penetrated ; or if it be at all deep or extensive, or much bruis- 
ed, a poultice of linseed meal, should be applied, by means of the 
leg of a woolen or worsted stocking, taking care to renew it twice a 
day, that it may be constantly soft and moist. This in two or three 
days, will give the wound a healing appearance, and cause a white 
healthy matter to flow; it then may be discontinued, and the digest- 
ive ointment applied. Should the matter assume a bad appearance, 
losing its white color, becoming thin, and smelling rather offensively, 
something stronger will be requisite, such as the detergent lotion 



the farmer's complete earrier. 179 

made hot; and if, after this, the new flesh grow too luxuriant, rising 
above the skin, apply the caustic powder, and a considerable degree 
of pressure, by means of a linen roller or bandage, and a bolster of 
lint. By this treatment the wound will soon heal. But we must 
not stop here ; for unless the swelling is completely removed, and 
the hair regenerated of its original color and smoothness, the horse 
would be considered of very little value. As soon, therefore, as the 
wound is completely healed, if any swelling be discernible, apply 
the following linament, so as to excite a moderate degree of vesica- 
tion, or blistering, and repeat it after this effect has perfectly subsided. 

No. 132. — Linament for bruises. 

Take powdered cantharides, two drams; camphor, one-half ounce; 
spirits of wine, four ounces. Mix them in a bottle, and let it stand 
in a warm place, or place it on a warm stove for five or six days, 
shaking the bottle frequently ; then filtrate, and it is fit for use. 

Should the swelling, however, feel hard and callous, and be of con- 
siderable size, apply blister No. 133 or 134. 

No. 133. — Blistering ointment. 

Take Spanish flies, powdered, one-half ounce ; oil of turpentine, 
one ounce ; ointment of wax or hog's lard, four ounces ; mix. 

No. 134. — Another. 

Take oil of turpentine, one ounce ; to which add gradually, vitri- 
olic acid, two drams ; hog's lard, four ounces; Spanish flies, powder- 
ed, one ounce ; mix. 

It often happens, after the wound is perfectly healed, that a scar or 
mark will be observable ; and though the part may be free from any 
hardness or swelling, the value of the horse will be greatly lessened 
by his appearance. A variety of ointments have been recommended 
for promoting growth of hair on the part, and thereby removing the 
blemish ; the following has been found very effectual : 

No. 135. — Ointment for broken knees. 

Take ointment of wax, two ounces ; camphor, two drams ; oil of 
rosemary; mix. 

The color of this ointment should be suited to that of the contigu- 
ous hair, which will so conceal the blemish, that it will not be observ- 
ed, unless the part is strictly examined; and at the same time the 
ointment will cause the hair to grow up gradually, until the mark is 
completely removed. If the horse be of a bay color, the legs and 
knees are generally blackish, in this case mix a little ivory black with 
the ointment; if a chesnut color, armenia bole may be mixed with it. 



180 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Sect. 227. 

c. — Splent-— -Ueberbeinam Schenkel. — Ger. 

Splents are bony excrescences about the shank bone, i. e. between 
the fetlock joint and the knee. When the splent is forming, the horse 
is frequently lame; especially when situated so near the knee or back 
sinews as to interfere with their motion. White says, he met with sev- 
eral cases of lameness, that were attributed to splents, when the cause 
evidently existed in the foot. 

The treatment of splents, if it be worth while to meddle with them, 
is exceedingly simple. The hair should be closely shaved off round 
the tumor ; a little strong mercurial ointment rubbed in for two days ; 
and this should be followed by an active blister. If the splent be of 
recent formation, it will usually yield to this, or to a second blister. 
Should it resist these applications, it can rarely be advisable to cau- 
terize the part, unless the tumor interferes materially with the action 
of the suspensory ligament; for it not unfrequently happens, that, 
although the splent may have apparently resisted this treatment, it will 
afterwards, and at no great distance of time, begin rapidly to lessen, 
and quite disappear. There is also a natural process by which the 
greater part of splents disappear when the horse gets old. 

As for the old remedies, many of them brutal enough — bruising 
the splent with a hammer, boring it with a gimlet, chipping it off with 
a mallet, sawing it off, slitting down the skin and periosteum over it, 
sweating it down with hot oils, and passing setons over it — the voice 
of humanity, and the progress of science, will consign them tospeedy 
oblivion. 

Sect. 228. 

The inside of the leg, immediately under the knee, and extending 
to the head of *the inner splint-bone, is subject to injury from what is 
termed the speedy cut. A horse with high action, and in the fast trot, 
violently strikes this part either with his hoof or the edge of the shoe. 
Sometimes bony enlargement is the result, at others great heat and 
tenderness ; and the pain from the blow seems occasionally to be so 
great that the horse drops as if he were shot. The only remedy is to 
take care that no part of the shoe projects beyond the foot; and to let 
the inner side of the shoe, have but one nail, and that near the toe. 
This part of the hoof being unfettered with nails, will expand as it 
comes in contact with the ground, and contract when in air and re- 
lieved from the pressure of the weight of the body ; and although 
this contraction is to no great extent, it will be sufficient to carry the 
foot harmlessly by the leg. Care should likewise be taken that the 
shoe be of equal thickness at the heel and the toe, and that the bear- 
ing be equal on both sides. 



the farmer's complete earrier. 181 

Sect. 229. 

d, — Sprains of the back sineivs—-Verrenkungen der Ruecken 
Sehnen. — Ger. 

Sprains of the back sinews are generally injuries done to the 
sheaths of the tendons, or of the ligaments which bind them own, 
In very aggravated cases, it sometimes occurs that even the it dons 
themselves are extended beyond their capacity. The heat, s\v; ling, 
and tenderness, are first to be combatted by fomentations, and i this 
be extreme, bleed also, and give a dose of physic. Next proceed to 
poultice with saturnine applications, until the heat and swelling a re re- 
duced ; then use tonics, astringent wash No. 129 ; or take No. 186; 
bandage and exercise very carefully. If the swelling remain after 
heat, pain, and lameness are past ; or when lameness only remains, 
after all heat is gone, proceed to blister mildly twice. In all cases of 
ligamentary extension when the heat has subsided, the part may be 
considered as in a state of atony ; and bandages judiciously applied 
are then proper, particularly during the day. 

No. 136. — Astringent wash* 

Take green vitriol, one dram; infusion of galls, half a pint; mix 
and wash the parts three times a day. 

No, 137. — Saturnine lotion. 

Take acetate of lead, four ounces ; vinegar and water, each, one 
pint. 

No. 138.— Saturnine poultice. 

Fine bran, one-quarter of a peck ; to be made into a thin paste, 
with hot saturnine lotion ; to this add as much linseed meal as will 
give it a proper consistence. 

We shall here add several embrocations for sprains that may be 
used in all sprains, with advantage. 

No. 139. — Embrocations for sprains. 

a. — Take oil of rosemary, and camphor, of each, two drams; soft 
soap, one ounce ; spirit of wine, two ounces; mix. 

Another. 

b. — Take soft soap, spirit of wine, oil of turpentine, and ointment 
of elder, of each, four ounces ; mix. 

No. 140.— Infallible lotion for sprains. 

Take of spirit of wine, eight ounces ; dissolve one ounee of cam- 
phor first, in the spirit of wine ; then add one ounce of oil of tur- 
pentine ; one ounce of spirit of sal ammoniac; oil of origanum, half an 
ounce ; and a large table spoonful of liquid laudanum. It must be well 
rubbed in with the hand, for full a quarter of an hour, every time it is 



182 

used; which must be four times each day. You will be astonished 
at its efficacy. 

Sect. 230. 
e. — Windfalls — Windgalle. — Ger. 

Windgalls are spungy and flatulent humors, that make their ap- 
pearance on both sides of the legs, just above the pastern joint or 
fetlock. It is seldom that a horse is found entirely clear of them, 
particularly about, the hind-legs, if he be much used. 

They are produced by hard usage, strains, bruises, of the back 
sinews or the sheath that covers them, which by being over-stretched, 
have some of their fibres ruptured ; whence probably may ooze out 
the fluid which is commonly found with the included air. 

Cure. — When windgalls make their first appearance, they are 
easily cured by a bath and bandage. Boil red oak bark to a strong 
decoction, add some sharp vinegar and a little alum, let the parts be 
fomented twice a day, warm as the hand can be held in it; then take 
a woollen cloth, dip it in the bath, and bind the ancle up, tight as pos- 
sible, without giving pain to the horse. 

Should this method not succeed, after a thorough trial, the swelled 
or puffed parts may be opened with a sharp knife; but blistering with 
flies is less dangerous, and generally attended with equal success'. 

Windgalls give to a horse a gouty and clumsy appearance ; but I 
have never known lameness produced by them, or any other injury, 
except that of stiffening his legs as he advances in years. They fur- 
nish strong proof that the animal has rendered much service. 

Mr. White says : I have sometimes applied rollers or bandages to 
the legs with good effect, keeping them constantly moist with the fol- 
lowing embrocation : 

No. 141. — Embrocation for windgalls. 

Take muriate of ammonia, one ounce; muriatic acid, one-half 
ounce ; water, one quart ; mix. 

Sect. 231. 

f. — Rupture of the tendons and ligaments of the leg — Bruch der 
Bein-Sehnen und Flechsen. — Ger. 

It is very seldom that the tendons themselves are ruptured, but the 
suspensory ligaments are more often so, and the evil is called break- 
ing down. It is usually very sudden, and the fetlock is brought 
almost to the ground. A perfect cure is seldom obtained ; but the 
inflammation should be moderated by the means already described, 
and the heels should be raised. A laced stocking or firm bandage, 
when the inflammation has subsided, is necessary; and firing is often 
prudent as a permanent bandage. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 183 

Sect. 232. 

g. — Strains of the ligaments of the fetlock and coffin joints — Ver- 
renkungen der Flechsen der obern und untem Fussgelenke. -Ger. 

These sprains occur, and may always be distinguished by the beat, 
tenderness, and swelling. Treat as already described. In all strains 
of the leg, attended with inflammation, a goulard poultice is a con- 
venient and useful application. The goulard water should be mixed 
with bran, and a worsted stocking being drawn over the foot, and up 
the leg, it is first tied around the foot; the poultice is then put in, 
and the stocking fastened around the leg above the injury,— See 
Sect. 226. 

Sect. 233. 
h. — Ringbone — Ueberbein. — Ger. 

The ring-bone partakes of the nature of the spavin, and frequently 
proceeds from the same cause. It makes its appearance on the lower 
part of the pastern, and sometimes immediately opposite the coffin 
joint. It is a hard and bony substance, and generally reaches half 
way round the ancle, which gives to the ancle an unnatural appearance, 
and causes the horse to go stiff and lame. Its name Has proceeded 
from its resemblance to a ring. It seldom admits of a cure, conse- 
quently a horse diseased with it is worth but little. 

When the ringbone first makes its appearance, blisters of flies 
have sometimes been employed with success. But after growing to 
full size, and remaining some length of time, to offer a remedy would 
be deceitful and presumptuous. 

Remedy. — A strong preparation of corrosive sublimate added to 
Spanish flies and Venice turpentine, and mixed with hog's lard, will 
often dissolve a ringbone, &c. 

A writer in the Farmer's Cabinet says: The remedies which have 
proved most successful in the cure of ringbone are such as produce 
severe irritation on, and copious discharges from the surface of the 
tumor. Among these are powerful stimulants, as turpentine, oil of 
origanum, oil of spike, all the blistering and caustic applications ; and 
even the red hot iron. 

Sect. 234. 

i. — Strain of the ivhirl bone — Verrenkung der Kniescheibe. — Ger. 

The joint of the upper bone of the thigh with the haunch, is com- 
monly called the whirl or round bone. It has been stated, that it has, 
in some rare instances, been dislocated and fractured ; it is, however, 
much oftener sprained, but not so often as the groom or farrier ima- 
gines. There is nothing peculiar in the lameness to detect injury of 
this part, except that frequently the horse will drag his leg after him 
on the toe. Injury of the round bone, or hip joint, will be princi- 
pally discovered by heat and tenderness in the situation of the joint. 



184 the farmer's complete farrier. 

A part so deeply seated is treated with difficulty. Fomentations 
should first he used to abate the inflammation, and after that an active 
blister should be applied. Strains of this joint are not always imme- 
diately relieved, and the muscles of the limb considerably waste ; and 
therefore it may be necessary to repeat the blister, while absolute rest 
should accompany every stage of the treatment. It may even be re- 
quisite to fire the part, or, as a last resort, a charge, may be put over 
the joint, and the horse turned out for two or three months. 

Of the stifle. — The stifle joint is not so liable to be sprained as is 
generally supposed; if strained, the accompanying symptoms will 
guide to the seat of injury. 

In this case the stifle joint will be found unusually hot, tender, and 
sometimes swollen. The remedies are fomentations, a rowel in the 
thigh, and a dose of physic. When by these means the inflamma- 
tion of the joint has abated considerably, and at the same time the 
swelling and lameness continue, the embrocation for strains, or a blis- 
ter, should be applied. 

The muscles of the inside thigh, generally, have sometimes been 
sprained ; this may be detected by diffused heat, or heat on the inside 
of the thigh above the stifle. The proper means of cure will be rest, 
fomentations, bleeding and physic. 

Sect. 235. 
Y.— -Thorough-pin— Kapsel-Erweitung. — Ger. 

The reader will bear in mind that there is placed about the joints, 
certain bags, called bursae mucosae, containing a mucous fluid for the 
purpose of lubricating the parts. These bags, from their peculiar 
structure, being composed of membranes, and many exhaling arteries 
of the internal coat, do become inflamed sometimes, and are conside- 
rably enlarged ; this enlargement is called Windgall — Section 230. 
But the point to which the reader's attention is directed, we will now 
describe. A similar enlargement is found above the hock, between 
the tendons of the flexor of the foot, and the extensor of the hock. As 
from its situation it must necessarily project on both sides of the hock, 
in the form of a round swelling, it is called a thorough -pin. It is an 
indication of considerable work, but except it be of very great size, 
it is rarely attended by lameness. The mode of treatment must 
resemble that recommended for windgalls. Although thorough-pin 
cannot be pronounced to be unsoundness, yet it behooves the buyer 
to examine well a horse with thorough-pin, and to ascertain whether 
undue work may not have injured him in other respects. 

Of the capulet. — A small bursal enlargement is sometimes found 
at the very point of the hock, which enlargement is called capulet. 
Treatment same as of windgalls. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 181 

Sect, 236. 
|. — Curb — Entznendung des hintern Kniegelenks. — Ger. 

Particular parts of the hock are liable to injuries ; from sudden and 
over-exertion, inflammation, swelling and lameness ensue. An affec- 
tion of this kind is called the curb. This affection is generally ac- 
companied by lameness. 

Cure. — The first pre -requisite to effect a cure is absolute rest ; then 
abate the inflnmmation, which is most readily accomplished by cold, 
evaporating lotions, frequently applied to the part. Equal portions 
of spirits of wine, water and vinegar, will afford an excellent applica- 
tion. It will be almost impossible to keep a bandage on. If the heat 
and lameness are considerable, it will be prudent to physic the horse, 
and to bleed from the subcutaneous vein. Whether the injury be of 
the annular ligament, or the sheath of the tendon, more active means 
will be necessary to perfect the cure. Either a liquid blister should 
be rubbed on the part, consisting of a vinous or turpentine tincture of 
cantharides, and this daily applied until some considerable swelling 
takes place, which should be allowed to subside, and then the lini- 
ment again resorted to; or, what is the preferable plan, the hair should 
be cut off, and the part blistered as soon as the heat has been subdu- 
ed. The blister should be repeated until the horse goes sound, and 
the swelling has disappeared. 

There are few complaints in which absolute and long continued 
rest is more requisite than in curb. An injury so serious leaves the 
parts very materially weakened, and, if the horse be soon put to work 
again, the lameness will frequently return. No horse that has had 
curbs should be put even to ordinary work, in less than a month after 
the apparent cure, and even then he should very gradually resume 
his former habits. x 

Sect 237. 

m.—Bog spavin- — Sumpfspath.- — Ger. 

The hock is plentifully furnished with mucous bags, to lubricate 
the different portions of this complicated joint. Some of these are 
found on the inside of the joint. From over-exertion of the joint 
they become inflamed, and considerably enlarged. They are wind- 
galls of the hock. The subcutaneous vein passes over the inside of 
the hock, and over some of these enlarged bags, and is compressed 
between the skin and the enlarged bag; and, consequently the pass- 
age of the blood through it is partially stopped. The blood, how- 
ever, continues to be returned from the leg and foot, and being thus 
arrested in its course, a portion of the vein below the impediment and 
between it and the next valve, is distended, and causes the soft tumor 
on the inside of the hock, called the bog or blood spavin. This is a 
very serious disease, attended with no great, but often permanent 
lameness, and is a disease too apt to return, when the enlargement has 
subsided under medical treatment. It must be considered as decided 
13 



186 the farmer's complete farrier* 

unsoundness. In a horse for slow draught, it is scarcely worth while 
even to attack it. In a horse destined to more rapid action, the pro- 
bability of a relapse should not be forgotten, when the chances of 
success, and the expense of treatment are calculated. 

Treatment— -The disease (the enlarged mucous capsule) lies deep, 
and is with difficulty operated upon. Uniform pressure will some- 
times cause the absorption of the fluid contained in cysts or bag3 
like these, but in a joint of such extensive motion as the hock, it is 
difficult, or almost impossible, to confine the pressure on the precise 
spot where it is required ; and could it be made to bear on the enlarg- 
ed bag, it would likewise press on the vein, and to a greater degree 
hinder the passage of the blood, and increase the dilation below the 
obstruction. The old and absurd method of passing a ligature above 
and below the enlarged portion of the vein, and then dissecting out 
the tumor, is not, in the' advanced stage of veterinary science, prae* 
ticed by any surgeon who has a regard to his reputation. The only 
method of relief which holds out any promise even of temporary suc- 
cess, is by exciting a great deal of inflammation on the skm, and thus 
rousing the deeper seated absorbents to carry away the fluid effused 
in the enlarged bag. Repeated blisters then will afford the fairest 
prospect of removing the tumor, or firing may be tried ; but in the 
majority of cases, the disease will bid defiance to all our means, or 
will return, and baffle our hopes when we had seemed to have been 
accomplishing our object. A horse with bog spavin will do very well 
for ordinary work. He may draw in a cart, or trot fairly in a lighter 
carriage, with little detriment to his utility, but he never will do fo? 
rapid or hard work, and it is in vain to attempt to make him. 

Sect. 238. 
n. — Bone spavin — KnochenspatJi. — Ger. 

A still more formidable disease ranks under the name of spavin, 
and is an affection of the bone of the hock -joint. 

It is not unusual to see whole teams of horses, and that all the year 
.round, with the outer heel of the hind-foot considerably raised above 
the other. This unequal bearing, or distribution of the weight, can- 
not fail of being injurious ; it will place an unequal strain on the liga- 
ments of the joints, and particularly of the hock-joint, and increase 
the tendency to spavin. 

The weight and concussion which are thus thrown on the inner 
splint-bone produce, in the first place, inflammation of the cartilagin- 
ous substance which unites it to the shank bone. The consequence 
of this is, that the cartilage is absorbed, and bone deposited ; the 
union between the splint-bone and the shank becomes bony instead 
of cartilaginous; the degree of elastic action between them is des- 
troyed, and there is formed a splint of the hind-leg. This is uniformly 
on the inside of the hind-leg, because the greater weight and concus- 
sion are thrown on the inner splint-bones. As in the fore-leg, the 
disposition to form bony matter having commenced and the cause 
which produced it continuing to act, bone continues to be deposited. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 187 

and it appears generally in the form* of a tumor, where the head of 
the splint-bone is united with the shank, and in front of that union. 
This is called bone spavin. Inflammation of the ligaments of any of 
the small bones of the hock, proceeding to bony tumor, would equally 
class under the name of spavin, but, with very few exceptions, the 
disease commences on the precise spot we have described. 

When spavin is forming there is always lameness, and that fre- 
quently to a very great degree ; but when the membrane of the bone 
has accommodated itself to the tumor that extended it, the lameness 
subsides, or disappears, or depends upon the degree in which the 
bony deposit interferes with the motion of the joint. 

There is always this peculiarity in the lameness of spavin, that it 
abates, and sometimes disappears, on exercise ; and therefore, a horse. 
with regard to which there is any suspicion of spavin, should be ex- 
amined, when he is first taken from the stable. 

Spavined horses are generally capable of slow work. They are 
equal to the greater part of the work of the farm, and therefore they 
will not be always rejected by the small farmer, and may generally 
be procured at little price. These horses are not only capable of agri- 
cultural work, but they generally improve under it ; they become lese 
lame, and even the bony tumor to a certain degree diminishes. 
There is sufficient moderate motion and friction of the limb to rouse 
the absorbents to action, and cause them to take up a portion of the 
bony matter thrown out, but not enough to renew or prolong inflam- 
mation. We cannot say that the plough affords a cure for spavin, but 
we have seen many instances in which the spavined horse has very 
materially improved at it. 

The treatment of spavin is simple enough, but not always effectual. 
The owner of the horse will neither consult his own interest, nor the 
dictates of humanity, if he suffers the chisel and mallet, or the gim- 
let, or the pointed iron, or arsenic to be used ; yet measures of con- 
siderable severity must be resorted to. Repeated blisters will usually 
cause either the absorption of the bony deposit, or the abatement or 
removal of the inflammation of the ligaments. As a last resort, how- 
ever, the hot iron may b3 applied. 

Sect. 239. 

o. — Malanders and Salanders — Mauken und Bseude. — Ger. 

Malanders and salanders are scurfy, scabby eruptions, affecting 
the back of the knee, and ply to the hock; common only in coarse, 
low bred, and in cart horses. Wash with soft soap every day, after 
which anoint with an unguent formed of equal parts of mercurial oint- 
ment, tar, and Turner's cerate. 

This cerate is formed according to this formula : 

No. 142. — Turner's cerate. 

Take oil of olive, two and a-half ounces ; white wax, one and a- 
half ounce : spermaceti, one ounce ; prepared impure carbonate of 



188 the farmer's complete farrier. 

zinc, one ounce. Or, take olive oil, two pounds ; yellow wax, and 
prepared impure carbonate of zinc, of eaeh, one pound. 

To cure this disease, says the author of the Pocket Farrier^ wash 
the cracks with warm soap-suds or old urine; then rub them twice 
a day with an ointment of hog's lard mixed with two drams of sub- 
limate of mercury. Or apply a poultice of roots of marshmallows 
and flaxseed, softened with linseed oil, tying it on with a roller.. 
Continue till the seeds fall off and the sores be clean. Afterwards a 
mixture of turpentine and quicksilver will be a proper application. 

Rat-tails. — On theback part of the leg are sometimes excrescences^ 
called by farriers, rat-tails, from the" appearance they give the hair. 
They will generally yield to the mild mercurial ointment, but in very 
obstinate cases, apply the knife. The following ointment is good : 

No. 143. — -Healing ointment. 

Take Turner's cerate, two ounces; white vitriol, powdered, half a 
drain; lard, four ounces; mix, and dress with every morning and 
evening. 

Sect. 240, 

p. — Springhalt or StringJwlt—HaJmentritt. — Ger. 

This is a disease peculiar to the posterior quarters of the horse ; it is 
an involuntary twitching of the hind-leg, or a convulsive action of the 
muscles by which it is bent. When it seizes the outside muscles, 
the horse straddles and throws his legs outward. But when the in- 
ward muscles are affected-, his legs are twitched up to his belly * 
Sometimes it is only in one leg, sometimes in both. It is principally 
observed when the horse first comes from the stable, and gradually 
ceases, in some instances, after he has been exercised a while. It is 
unpleasant to the rider, but it cannot be denominated unsoundness y 
on the contrary, common opinion has given to the horse with string- 
halt a more than usual share of strength and endurance ; and if it be 
an excess of nervous energy, although irregularly exerted, we shall 
find no difficulty in associating it with general powerful muscular ac- 
tion. However this may be, the precise nature of the defect has 
never been determined, nor has ever any permanent cure been discov- 
ered. All that we know, or have seen recommended, is rubbing and 
fomentations, with daily moderate exercise : by which the blood and 
spirits may be equally distributed into the disordered muscle and its 
corresponding one, — -See Gibson and Clark. 

Sect. 241. 

Before we close our remarks on the diseases of the legs, we shall 
submit an extract from Barnuin's book on two very troublesome dis- 
eases. The one, generating the other, and both, we are strongly in- 
clined to believe, the children or offspring of neglect and misman- 
agement. We hope that the importance of the subject will be a 
satisfactory apology, for presenting so much on swelled legs, and 
their degenerate kindred, grease. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 1S$ 

Sect. 242. 
q. — Swelled legs — Geschwolhie-Beine.—^Gew 

The fore-legs are sometimes subject to considerable enlargement, 
but much oftener the hind ones. Occasionally when the horse does 
not seem to labor under any other disease, and sometimes from an 
apparent shifting of inflammation from other parts, (inflammation of 
the lungs or the eye not unfrequently thus changes its seat,) the hind- 
legs suddenly swell to an enormous degree from the hock, and almost 
from the stifle to the fetlock, attended by heat, and extreme tenderness 
of the skin, and excessive and very peculiar lameness. The pulse 
likewise becomes quick and hard, and the horse evidently labors 
under considerable fever. It is acute inflammation of the cellular 
substance of the legs, and that most sudden in its attack, most vu> 
lent in its degree, and therefore attended by the pouring out of a great 
deal of fluid, in this cellular substance.. It occurs in young horses, 
and in those which are over-fed and little exercised, without previous 
inflammation in any other part. Fomentation, diuretics, or physic, 
or, if there be much fever, a moderate bleeding, will often relieve the 
distension almost as suddenly as it appeared. 

Horses taken from grass and brought into close stables very speedily 
have swelled legs, because the difference of food, and increase of nu« 
triment, rapidly increase the quantity of the circulating fluid; while 
the want of exercise takes away the means by which it might be got 
rid of. The remedy here needs not to be stated. Swelled legs, how- 
ever, may proceed from general debility ; they may be the consequence 
of starvation, or disease that has considerably weakened the animal ; 
and these parts being farthest from the centre of circulation, are the 
first to show the loss of power by the accumulation of fluid in them. 
Here the means of cure would be to increase the general strength, 
with which the extremities would sympathise, and mild diuretics and 
tonics are evidently indicated. 

Horses in the spring and fall are subject to swelled legs. The 
powers of the constitution are principally employed in providing a 
new coat for the animal, and the extremities have not their share of 
vital influence. Mingled cordials and diuretics are indicated here-— 
the diuretic to lessen the quantity of the circulating flood,— the cor* 
dial to invigorate the frame. 

Swelled legs are most teasing in horses that are in tolerable or good 
health, but whose work is somewhat irregular. The cure is to give 
more equable exercise; to walk the horse out daily when the usual 
work is not required, and by some mechanical means to supply to 
the extremities the want of the motion of the parts, and the conse- 
quent urging on of the return of the fluid. Friction by hand-rubbing 
is an excellent means of fining the legs, at least for a time. Bandages 
have a greater ana more durable effect, for nothing tends more to sup- 
port the capillary veins, and rouse the action of the absorbents, than 
moderate pressure. Hay bands will form a very good bandage for 
the agricultural horse, and their effect will probably be increased by 



190 the farmer's complete farrier. 

previously dipping them in water. As to medicines, we have little 
to say: the fewer of them that are given in these cases the better, 

Sect. 243. 

r, — Grease— Fussrxude. — Ger, 

It is an inflammation of the skin of the heel, sometimes of the 
fore, but oftener of the hind-foot. It is not a contagious disease, 
although when it once appears in a stable it frequently goes through 
it, for it is usually to be traced to bad stable management. The skin 
of the heel of the horse somewhat differs from that of any other 
part. There is a great deal of motion in the fetlock, and to prevent 
the skin from excoriation or chapping, it is necessary that it should 
be kept soft and pliable ; therefore, in the healthy state of the part, 
the skin of the heel has a peculiar greasy feel. Under inflamma- 
tion, the secretion of this greasy matter is stopped — the heels become 
red, dry, and scurfy ; and being almost constantly in motion, cracks 
soon succeed : these sometimes extend, and the whole surface of the 
heel becomes a mass of soreness, ulceration and fungus. 

The heel is subject to this virulent inflammation, on account of its 
situation, far removed from the centre of the circulation. It is like- 
wise exposed to more variations of temperature than any other part 
of the frame. As the horse stands in the closed stable, the heat of 
the part is increased by being deeply imbedded in straw. When the 
stable door is open, the heels are nearest to the door, and most pow- 
erfully receive the current of cold air ; and when the horse is taken 
from the stable to his work, the heels are covered with mire and wet, 
and chilled by the slow and long process of evaporation, which is 
taking place from them. We cannot wonder then at the frequency 
with which the heels are attacked -with inflammation, nor the diffi- 
culty there is in subduing that inflammation. In the winter season, 
chaps and cracks will occasionally appear in the best conducted sta- 
bles; but where the comfort of the animal is neglected, and every 
kind of filth is suffered to accumulate, the disease will be more fre- 
quent and more virulent. 

A great deal of error has prevailed, and it has led to much bad 
practice, in connecting grease with the notion of humors flying about 
the horse, which must have vent somewhere, and which attack the 
heels as the weaker parts of the frame. Thence arise the physicing, 
and the long course of diuretics, which truly weaken the animal, 
and often do irreparable mischief. Grease is a local complaint; it is 
produced principally by causes which act locally ; and it is most suc- 
cessfully treated by local applications. Physic and diuretics may be 
useful in abating inflammation; but the grand object is to abate the 
inflammatory action which exists in the skin of the heel, and to heal 
the wounds, and remedy the mischief which it has occasioned. 

The first appearance of grease is usually a dry and scurfy slate of 
the skin of the heel, with redness, heat, and itchiness. The heel 
should be well washed with soap and water; as much of the scurf 
should be detached as is easily removable ; white ointment composed 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 191 

of one dram of sugar of lead, rubbed down with an ounce of lard 
will usually supple and cool, and heal the part. 

When cracks appear, the mode of treatment will depend on their 
extent and depth. If they are but slight, a lotion, composed of a 
solution of two drams of blue vitriol, or four of alum, in a pint of 
water, will often speedily dry them up and close them.* But if the 
eracks are deep, with an ichorous discharge, and the lameness con- 
siderable, it will be necessary to poultice the heel. A poultice of lin- 
seed meal will be the most effectual, unless the discharge is thin and 
offensive, when an ounce of finely powdered charcoal should be 
mixed with the linseed meal, or a poultice may be made of carrots 
boiled soft, and mashed. The efficacy of a carrot poultice is seldom 
sufficiently appreciated in cases like these. 

As soon as the inflammation of the parts is subdued, apply the 
following astringent paste: 

No. 1 44. — -J2 stringent paste. 

Take prepared calamine, tutty, powdered, charcoal, powdered, of 
each, two ounces ; alum and verdigris, of each, one dram ; yeast 
enough to make a paste. Or use astringent washes No. 129, Sect. 
225; or No. 136, Sect. 229. 

When the inflammation and pain have evidently subsided, and the 
cracks discharge good matter, they may be dressed with an ointment 
composed of one part of resin, and three of lard melted together, and 
one part of calamine powder added, when these begin to get cool. 
The healing will be quickened if the cracks are occasionally washed 
with either the vitriol or alum solution. A mild diuretic may here 
be given every third day, but a mild dose of physic will form the 
best medicine that can be administered. 

After the chaps or cracks have healed, the legs will sometimes con- 
tinue gorged and swelled.! A flannel bandage evenly applied over 
the whole of the swelled part will be very serviceable ; or should the 
season admit of it, a run at grass, particularly spring grass, should 
be allowed. A blister is inadmissible, from the danger of bringing 
back the inflammation of the skin, and discharge from it; but the 

* Diegendesch recommends the following ointment: Take one pound of hog's 
lard; common powder, quicksilver, of each, two ounces; brimstone, one ounce; 
laurel oil, one-half ounce; first rub the quicksilver well in the laurel oil, mix the 
whole, then let it stand for five days ; then it will be fit for use. Apply it, and in 
ten hours wash the parts affected with strong lye — repeat the ointment and washing 
till a cure is effected. — Proved. 

-j- For this purpose the following is recommended: Take wormwood, eight 
handfuls; John's wort, centaury, camomile, of each, four handfuls ; elder flowers, 
two handfuls; bayberries, half a pound. Boil them in two gallons of water till 
one-third is consumed, and make a fomentation. 

The horses legs are to be bathed three or four times a day, with woolen cloths, 
wrung out of the liquor, and applied as hot as he can bear them, adding a little 
spirit of wine or brandy. And if they are much inflamed, as happens when the 
sinevs are affected, a good quantity of the ashes of the green twigs of vines, wal- 
nut or oak, may be boiled in the decoction, adding more water, when the other 
ingredients are easily to be had. — Complete Farmer. 



192 the farmer's complete farrier. 

actual cautery, taking especial care not to penetrate the skin, must 
occasionally be resorted to. 

In some cases the cracks are not confined to the centre of the heels ? . 
but spread over them, and extend on the fetlock, and even up the Iegy 
while the legs are exceedingly swelled, and there is a watery dis- 
charge from the cracks, and apparently oozing through the skin at 
other places. The parts are exceedingly tender, and sometimes hot, 
and there is an appearance which the farrier thinks very decisive as 
to the state of the disease, and which the better informed man should 
not overlook ; the heels smoke ; the skin is so hot, that the watery fluid 
partly evaporates as it runs from the cracks, or oozes through the skin. 

There will be great danger in suddenly stopping this discharge. — * 
Inflammation of a more important part has rapidly succeeded to the 
injudicious attempt. The local application should be directed to the- 
abatement of the inflammation. The poultices just referred to should 
be diligently used night and day, and especially the carrot poultice ; 
and, when the heat and tenderness and stiffness of motion have dimi- 
nished, astringent lotions may be applied ; either the alum lotion, or 
a strong decoction of oak bark, changed, or used alternately, but not 
mixed. The cracks should likewise be dressed with the ointment 
above mentioned; and the moment the horse can bear it, a- flannel' 
bandage should be put on, reaching from the coronet, to three or four 
inches above the swelling. 

The medicine should be confined to mild diuretics, mixed with one- 
third part of cordial mass, or, if the horse be gross, and the inflam- 
mation run high, a dose of physic may be given. From the account 
we have given, it will easily be distinguished in what cases physic is 
indicated, and in what states of the constitution or disease we may 
be content with diuretics. If the horse be strong, and full of flesh 
and fat, physic should always precede, and sometimes supersede the 
diuretics; in cases of much debility, diuretics with aromatics or ton- 
ics will be preferable. 

The feeding will likewise vary with the case, but with these rules 
which admit of no exception, that green meat should be given, and 
more especially carrots, when they are not too expensive, and mashes,. 
if the horse will eat them, and never the full allowance of corn. 

Walking exercise should be resorted to as soon as the horse is able 
to bear it, and this by degrees may be increased to a gentle trot. 

From bad stable management at first, and neglect during the dis- 
ease, a worse kind of grease is occasionally found. The ulceration 
extends over the skin of the heel and the fetlock, and a fungus springs 
from the surface of both, highly sensible, bleeding at the slightest 
touch, and interspersed with scabs. By degrees, portions of the fun- 
gus begin to be covered with a horny substance, protruding in the 
form of knobs, and collected together in bunches. These are known 
by the name of grapes. A stinking and very peculiar discharge pro- 
ceeds from nearly the whole of the unnatural substance. The horse 
evidently suffers much and is gradually worn down by the disease. 

Cause. — Some horses are more subject to grease than others, par- 
ticularly draught horses, both heavy and light, but particularly the 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 193 

former, and if they have no degree of blood in them. It was the 
experience of this which partly contributed to the gradual change of 
coach and other draught horses to those of a lighter breed. It may, 
however, be affirmed, without danger of error, that in the great ma- 
jority of cases, grease arises from mismanagement and neglect. 

Every thing that has a tendency to excite inflammation in the skin 
of the heel is a cause of grease. The want of exercise, high feed- 
ing, added to irregular or deficient exercise, will produce this disease. 
Want of cleanliness in a stable is a fruitful source of this complaint. 
When the heels are embedded in filth they are weakened by the con- 
stant moisture surrounding them, and irritated by the acrimony of the 
dung and the urine, and little prepared to endure the evaporation and 
cold to which they are exposed when the horse is taken out of the 
stable. We believe, however, that the absurd practice of washing 
the feet and legs of horses when they come from their work, and 
either carelessly spunging them down afterwards, or leaving them to 
dry as they may, is by far the most common origin of grease. 

When the horse. is warmed by his work, and the heels share in 
the warmth, the momentary cold of washing may not be injurious if 
the animal be immediately rubbed dry; yet even this would be better 
avoided ; but to wash out the heels, and then leave them partially 
dry, or perfectly wet, and suffering from the extreme cold which is 
produced by evaporation from a wetted surface, is the most absurd, 
dangerous, and injurious practice that can be imagined. It is worse 
when the stage horse or the plough horse is plunged up to his belly 
in the river or pond, immediately after his work. The owner is little 
aware how many cases of inflammation of the lungs, and bowels, 
and feet, and heels, follow. It would, therefore, be an excellent rule 
never to wash the heels of these horses, when the least warm. 

Sect. 243. 

F. — Diseases of the foot. 

The foot is composed of the horny box which covers the extremi- 
ties of the horse, and the contents of that box, although well secured, 
is exceedingly liable to accidents and diseases. 

On the diseases of feet we shall present the reader with an extract 
from Loudon's book, London edition, 1839, p. 987, sub-section 9, 
and consecutive sections 6517 to 6529, with remarks and observations 
from several English and German authors. 

a. — Founder — Steifheit. — Ger. 

Founder of the feet is of two kinds, an acute and a chronic. 
Acute founder is a disease that, until lately, was less understood than 
almost any other. After a very severe day's work, or when very 
much heated, if a horse get a sudden chill by standing in snow or 
cold water, it is not uncommon for him to be seized with universal 
stiffness, and every symptom of great fever. Such a horse is said 
to be body foundered. By degrees, however, it is observed that the 



194 

animal has an extreme disinclination to remain on his feet; from 
whence it will appear that the whole of them are affected, when the 
horse draws his hind-feet under him, his fore only are affecied, and 
when he draws his fore-feet under him, his hinder feet are the seat of 
the complaint ; but which is seldom the case. On feeling the feet 
they will be found intensely hot, and the pastern arteries beat with 
great violence. After a few days, unless the disease abate, a separa- 
tion of the hoofs from the coronet takes place, and at last they fall 
entirely off. 

Remedy. — So soon as you are convinced that your horse is foun- 
dered, take from his neck vein at least a gallon of blood ; give a drench 
of one quart strong sassafras tea, one table spoonful of saltpetre, and 
a quarter of an ounce of asafetida, and do not permit him to drink 
for five or six hours ; at the expiration of which time, should he not 
be evidently better, repeat the bleeding, taking half a gallon of blood, 
and give another drench: at night offer him some bran or oats, scald- 
ed with sassafras tea, and if it can be procured, let him have green 
food, fresh from the field, for it has the happy effect of opening the 
bowels, and cooling the system : his feet should be nicely cleaned 
out, and stuffed with fresh cow manure : his drink should be at least 
one-half sassafras tea, with a small handful of salt thrown therein. 

By the morning, should the horse be better, nothing further is ne- 
cessary, only being careful not to over feed him. But should there 
be no change for the better, tie a small cord just above his knees, and 
with a lancet or fleam bleed in a vein that runs around the coronet, 
just above the hoof; take from each leg a pint of blood: give a pound 
of salts dissolved in three half pints of water, in form of a drench ; 
keep his feet stuffed with fresh cow manure, and bathe his legs with 
equal parts of sharp vinegar, spirits and sweet oil or lard. By atten- 
tion to these directions, in two or three days the horse will again be 
fit for service. 

Sect. 244. 

Chronic founder, contraction or fever in the feet. — The artificial 
life that horses lead, subjects them to many diseases; one of the prin- 
cipal of which is that of contracted feet. Blaine considers a neglect 
of sufficient paring of the hoof, the application of artificial heat from 
hot stables, and hot litter, the deprivation of natural moisture, consti- 
tutional liability, and the existence of thrushes, as among the princi- 
pal causes of this evil. It is more common among blood horses, than 
to others, and he observes, that dark chesnuts are of all others most 
prone to it. 

Sect. 245. 

The treatment of contraction in the feet. — It is better to prevent 
than to be under the necessity of attempting to cure this great evil. 
Prevention may be practiced by avoiding the acting causes. As 
soon as at all suspected to be likely to occur ; keep the hoofs pared 
low; never suffer the horse to stand on litter, nor allow the stable to 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 195 

be too hot; feed moderately, and never allow the horse to go without 
daily exercise; whatever increases the general fulness of fcabit flies 
to the feet. Above all, keep the feet moist by means of wet cloths 
tied closely round the coronet, falling over the whole hoof, but not 
extending beyond the edge. Then moisten repeatedly, and stop the 
feet every night. 

xlpply the following composition : 

No. 145.— Foot stoppings. 

Take horse and cow dung, each, about two pounds ; tar,half a pound. 

When contraction has already taken place, many plans have been 
recommended; as jointed shoes, by Coleman, Clark, and others, but 
it is not found that mechanical expansion in this way produces per- 
manent benefit. The most effectual mode is to obviate all previ- 
ous causes of contraction ; and then to thin the hoofs around the heels 
from each quarter so thin as to be able to produce an impression by 
means of the thumb; in fact, to remove so much of the horn as is 
consistent with safety, from the coronet downwards. It is also pru- 
dent to put in a score or two from above downwards, drawn a quar- 
ter of an inch deep on each side towards the front of the hoof; but 
whether this be done or not, the front of the hoof should be rasped 
thin about an inch in width; by which means a hinge is formed 
which operates most advantageously in opening the heels. After this 
is done, tips should be put on, and the horse should be turned out to 
grass, where he should remain three months, by which time the new 
formed heels will have reached the ground, and will bear a shoe. 

Sect. 246. 

b. — Pumiced foot — der ausgeglsetete Fuss. — Ger. 

This is a very common consequence of acute founder, in which the 
elasticity of the lamina becoming destroyed the support of the coffin 
bone is removed, and it rests wholly on the sole, which it gradually 
sinks from a concave to a convex surface, drawing with it the front 
of the hoof inwards. In weak, broad heavy feet, this evil comes on 
sometimes without founder; the treatment can only be palliative; a 
wide webbed shoe exactly fitted to the foot, without at all pressing on 
it, prevents the lameness consequent to the disease ; a shoe exactly 
the contrary to this has been tried in some cases with benefit, the 
form of which has been one with a web so narrow as only to cover 
the crust, but so thick as to remove the feet from accidental pressure. 
In other cases, no shoe answers so well as a strong bar shoe. 

Sect. 247. 

c. — Corns — Huehneraugen, Leichdornen. — Ger. 

These are troublesome aliments, to which horses are very liable, 
and which injure and ruin thousands; they are wholly accidental; no 
horse having any peculiar tendency to them, but being always brought 



196 the farmer's complete farrier. 

on them by some improper pressure, usually of the shoe, or from 
something getting between the shoe and the horny heel. A shoe too 
long worn is a very common cause, and a still more frequent one is 
the clubbing the heels of the shoe ; neither is it necessary to the pro- 
duction of corns that the shoe itself should press on the sole ; but 
they are equally produced when the outer horn of the heels or of the 
bars, is the immediate offending part, rendered so by too luxuriant 
growth, by unequal wear, or by secondary pressure from the shoe, 
or by gravel working in. It is the fleshy sole itself that is bruised, 
from which a speck of extravasated blood follows, and if not imme- 
diately relieved, it gathers, or the part becomes habitually defective, 
and instead of forming healthy horn, it always afterwards forms a 
spongy substance of extreme sensibility, and thus always is liable to 
produce pain and lameness when exposed to pressure. 

The treatment of corns is seldom difficult or unsuccessful at their 
first appearance, but afterwards it can be only palliative. Blaine di- 
rects that by means of a fine drawing knife every portion of diseased 
horn should be pared away, and the extravasation underneath like- 
wise. Having done this, he advises to introduce some butter of an- 
timony into the opening, to place over this some tow, which should be 
kept in its place by means of a splint. If any contraction of the 
heels be present, it will materially assist the cure to lower them, and 
to thin the hoof a little around the quarters, and afterwards to put on 
a shoe without heels opposed to the corn, or a shoe chambered oppo- 
site the weak part : or a bar shoe may be applied so framed as com- 
pletely to leave the heel untouched. Introduce the butter of antimony 
once or twice more, with the interval of two days between, and then 
turn the horse out to grass ; in about six weeks time the foot will be 
sound. The treatment of corns, when of long standing, does not 
materially differ: for although they are never wholly eradicated, 
they may be rendered but little troublesome. The diseased part 
must be carefully pared out at each shoeing, and such a shoe put on 
as will completely free the heel from pressure. 

Sect. 248. 

d. — Thrush — Mundfaeule. — Ger. 

Running thrush is always a dangerous disease, and few errors in 
horse management are more glaring than the common one of suppos- 
ing they are necessary to carry off humors. If less food, more exer- 
cise, cool stables, and dry standings, were substituted to correct the 
fullness, instead of thrushes, which invariably contract the feet when- 
ever they continue any length of time, it would save many valuable 
horses. To the cure, begin by cleaning out all the fissures of the 
frog from loose ragged horn, and then introduce to the bottom of the 
sinuses, by means of a thin piece of wood, some of the thrush paste 
smeared on tow, which will enable it to be held within the cleft, es- 
pecially if it be guarded by splints of wood passed under the shoe ; 
renew the dressing daily; turning out to grass may be practiced to 
great advantage for thrushes by this mode of dressing. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 197 

No. 146.— Thrush paste. 

Take prepared calamine, verdigris, of each, one-half ounce; white 
vitriol, alum, of each, one-half dram; tar, three ounces; mix— ap- 
ply as directed. 

We here add a cure from Gibson : 

To cure the thrush in horse' 's feet. 

Simmer over the fire, till it turns brown, equal parts of honey, 
vinegar, and verdigris, and apply it with a feather or brush occasion- 
ally to the feet. The horse at the same time should stand hard, and 
all soft dung and straw be removed. — Gibson. 

Sect. 249. 
e. — Sand cracks — Sandritsen.* — Ger. 

Sand cracks are fissures in the hoofs, commonly of those before, 
and usually towards the inner, but now and then towards the outer 
quarter also, from above downwards : from the crack, a little oozing 
of blood or moisture is seen ; and the sensible parts underneath get- 
ting between the edges of horn, being pressed on, lame the horse. 
White recommends to fire the fissure crossways, so as to destroy the 
connection between the divided and undivided parts of the hoof. 

The following for sand cracks has been frequently used with success : 

No. 147. — Powder for cracks. 

Take prepared calamine, one ounce; fuller's earth, powdered, pipe 
clay, powdered, of each, two ounces; mix, and put within gauze, 
and daub the moist surfaces of the sores frequently. 

Sect. 250. 
f. —Pricks — Vernagelungen.*— Ger. 

Pricks or punctures of the feet are often very serious evils, either 
when received by nails in shoeing, or by one picked up in the road, 
&c. The danger arises from inflammation, which is always great 
from any injury done to the sensible and viscular parts within the foot. 
This inflammation quickly proceeds to suppuration; and the matter 
is apt to make its way upwards, unless it find a ready vent below. 
When it does not break out at the coronet, it will often penetrate 
under the sole, and finally disease the bones, ligaments, or cartilages, 
and produce quittor. 

It is very seldom that a horse is pricked in shoeing, but that the 
smith is aware of it by the peculiarity of the feel on the hammer, 
and by the flinching of the animal. At such times were he to imme- 
diately draw the nail a Utile, enlarge the opening, and introduce some 
spirit within the puncture, nothing would occur; but on the contrary, 
he sends the horse home to avoid trouble, who, the next, or follow- 
ing day, is found lame, with his foot hot : if the nail be not driven too 
near the sensible lamina, it will only require to be removed to free 



198 the farmer's complete farrier. 

the horse from his evil; but if it have been driven through, and have 
wounded them, then suppuration ensues, and on examining the foot 
by the pincers when the shoe is removed, he will flinch at the pres- 
sure on the diseased part. 

It is probable, on the removal of the shoe that matter will at once 
flow out at the immediate nail hole, if not, the drawing knife will 
soon detect the injury. If the heat be great, and instead of matter, 
bloody dark ichor flows out, wrap the foot up in a poultice j but if 
healthy matter flows out this will not be necessary ; sometimes it is 
requisite to detach all the horn that is underrun by the matter. But 
when the injury has not proceeded to this extent, apply over the part 
a pledget of tow steeped in friar's balsam ; tack on the shoe lightly, 
and retain the dressing by means of splints, which are thin pieces of 
wood passed under the shoe : repeat the dressing daily, and avoid 
moisture, which would encourage quittor. 

A nail picked up on the road, and which passes through the sole 
below or through the frog, is to be treated in the same manner, and 
also when the matter breaks out at the coronet; but when a nail is 
picked up and penetrates the coffin joint, which is known by the 
synovia or joint oil appearing, such opening should be immediately 
stopped by paring towards the wounded joint, and then applying a 
heated budding-iron, not to the capsular ligament itself, but to the 
skin immediately near it ; if this be inconvenient, put a pledget dip- 
ped in a little butter of antimony, just within the opening, but do not 
press it into the cavity of the joint: if this be insufficient to stop the 
flow, but more particularly if the original wound be penetrated to the 
bone, it is probable that the bone itself will become in some measure 
diseased, which is known by the rough grating felt at the point of the 
probe when passed. In this case, enlarge the opening so as to be 
able to scrape the diseased bone away. Bruises of the sole, from 
whatever cause, will all fall under some of these points of view, ac- 
cording as the case may be. 

Sect. 251. 

g.— - Quittor and canker— Kronengeschivulst und Ranker. — Ger. 

Quittor and canker are the consequences of these injuries, when 
neglected, or originally extensive. In these cases either the bones, 
ligaments or cartilages, or all, become diseased ; and a cure can only 
be obtained by removing the diseased parts by the knife or by caustic. 

Treads, over-reach, fyc. — A wound on the coronet is not uncom- 
mon from one foot being placed on the other; or the hinder foot may 
strike it, &c. First wipe away the dirt, and remove any loose edges 
that cannot unite ; avoid washing, unless stones and dirt are suspect- 
ed to be within, and bind up, having first placed over the wound a 
pledget of lint or tow moistened with balsamic tincture, or tincture 
of myrrh, or of aloes, &c. Over-reaching or over-stepping, is often 
an injury done to the fetlock joint before, by the hinder foot, or to the 
back sinew higher up. Sometimes it is simply a violent bruise, at 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 199 

others the laceration is extensive, in which case treat as a tread ; and 
when no laceration has taken place, treat as a bruise or strain. 

If lacerated, apply some of the horse ointment. It is an extraor- 
dinary ointment for wounds or bruises; scalds, or burns of every 
description, are soon healed by applying this ointment. No family 
should be without it. 

No. 148. — Horse ointment. 

Into a clean pipkin, that holds about a quart, put the bigness of a 
pullet's egg, of yellow rosin ; when it is melted over a middling fire, 
add the same quantity of bees wax; when that is melted, put in half 
a pound of hog's lard ; when it is dissolved, put in two ounces of 
honey ; when that is dissolved, put in half a pound of common tur- 
pentine — keep it gently boiling, and stirring with a stick all the time ; 
when the turpentine is dissolved, put in two ounces of verdigris, 
finely powdered, but before you put in the verdigris, you must take 
off the pipkin, (else it will rise into the lire in a moment,) set it on 
again, and give it two or three stirrings, then strain it through a coarse 
sieve into a clean vessel for use ; throw away the dregs. 

Sect. 252. 

h. — Narrow heels, 

Is a disease that often produces lameness without the master of the 
horse knowing from what cause it proceeds ; often examining his 
legs, cleaning his hoofs, paring the frogs of his feet, <fcc. <fcc. without 
paying any respect to the shape of the horse's heels, which are 
always close together and unnaturally shaped. 

A horse with narrow heels is unfit to travel, as he is tender footed, 
and goes cramped, short, and is always subject to lameness, more or 
less. 

Narrow heels is the effect of shoes being permitted to remain on a 
horse that is not used, for three or four months, which cause the heels 
to grow together, pinching and confining the coronet. 

The cure is simple, though tedious. Have his shoes taken off and 
his feet cut down as small as possible, without injuring the quick; 
then turn him out upon a marsh or low ground, where his hoofs may 
be constantly moist for three or four months, and his heels will ex- 
pand, his hoofs again assume their natural shape, and the horse will 
be fit for any kind of service. 

Sect. 253. 

G. — Diseases of the skin. 

The skin, though apparently a simple membrane, is in reality lam- 
inated, consisting of several subdivisions, namely: of three layers 
or parts. The outer or external lamina is the cuticle or scarf-skin. 
This part is thin, as is proved by the action of a blister when the 
cuticle is raised from the true skin beneath, in the form of almost 
pellucid bladders. 



200 THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER* 

The second lamina, immediately beneath the cuticle, is a thin, soft 
substance, on which the color of a horse depends, called rete muco- 
sum, from its web-like structure, and its soft mucous consistence. — 
Next to this, is the true skin, very different in different breeds ; ihin 
and highly sensible in the blood horse; thick, and fortunately for the 
animal, endowed with far less sensibility, in the common cart horse. 

The skin, the ornamental pelisse of the horse, serves besides 
beauty, a double purpose of protection and strength. Where it is 
necessary that the parts should be firmly bound and knit together, it 
adheres so tightly that we can scarcely raise it. Of its strength we 
have abundant proof, in both the living and dead animal. Its fibres 
are so complicated and interlaced, that it requires great violence to 
lacerate it. To the knife itself, it offers considerable resistance; and 
so well known is its tenacity, that the dead horse is stripped, and his 
tri-laminated coat converted by astringents and oleants, into leather. 

The skin itself, is also liable to disease. For no sooner is the 
general system deranged, and especially the digestive system, and the 
vessels concerned in the proper nourishment of the animal, the skin 
sympathizes, and feels the effects of derangement, and is diseased. 
These diseases have various names, such as mange, hidebound, fyc. 

Sect. 254. 

a. — Mange — fiaeude.—G er. 

The mange in horses, is a disease of the skin, which is generally 
rough, thick, and full of wrinkles, especially about the mane, tail, and 
thighs, and the little hair that remains on these parts stands up very 
much like bristles. 

The ears and eye-brows are sometimes attacked, and in a short 
time are left quite naked. The mange is an infectious disease — 
indeed so much so, that if a horse is carried into a stable where one 
that is mangy has been in the habit of standing, he will be almost 
certain to take the infection, unless the litter has been removed, and 
the stable properly cleansed and aired. Proper attention will make 
the cure easy. 

Remedy. — Take of powdered brimstone and hog's lard, an equal 
quantity; mix them well together and anoint the part affected twice a 
day; bleed plentifully, and give two or three mashes, (composed of 
bran, sulphur, saltpetre, and sassafras,) within a week, by which time 
a cure will be performed. 

A clean stable and nice bed of straw will aid much in accomplish- 
ing the object in view. 

We add the following from the Farmer's Receipt Book: 

Take of white precipitate, two ounces; strong mercurial ointment, 
two ounces; sulphur of vivum, one pound; flour of sulphur, half a 
pound; rape oil, two quarts; first grind the white precipitate in a 
little oil; afterwards add the remainder, taking care that they are well 
mixed. 

This liniment must be well rubbed in, with a hard brush, in the 
open air, provided the day be fine, and the weather warm. If the 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE CARRIER. 201 

horse draw in a team, the inside of the collar must be washed, or 
the inside of the saddle, if a saddle horse, for the disease is highly 
contagious. 

Sect. 255. 
b. — ^Hidebound — Belie. — Ger. 

A horse is said to be hidebound when his skin will not slip under 
the pressure of the hand, but sticks as fast to the ribs as if it was 
glued. 

Horses are sometimes hidebound in consequence of feeling the 
effects of some violent disease, and it is often a bad symptom ; but 
generally, this tightness of the skin proceeds from poverty, cruel 
usage, and sometimes from worms. 

The first thing necessary for performing a cure is, to offer better 
treatment to the animal, giving him plenty of light food, such as 
bran, oats, &c. and a clean stable, with fresh litter. Then take from 
the neck vein half a gallon of blood ; at night give a mash composed 
of one gallon of bran, scalded with sassafras tea; one table spoonful 
flour of sulphur or powdered brimstone, and one tea spoonful of salt- 
petre ; not permitting him to drink for six hours afterwards. 

On the second day, at twelve o'clock, take of copperas, two table 
spoonfuls ; of warm sassafras tea, one quart; saltpetre, one tea spoon- 
fid ; mix and give them as a drench. Have the horse well rubbed, 
and in a few days he will be entirely relieved. 

We here add an extract from a work, entitled Maison Rustique: 
The author advises that the next day after bleeding the horse, a 
fomentation be made of emollient and aromatic strengthening plants, 
boiled in lees of wine, or beer, and that the whole body of the horse 
be rubbed with these plants, whilst they are warm, till it is thoroughly 
wet; and that the loins, belly, and neck, as well as the rest of the 
body, be anointed with a mixture of one part honey, and three parts 
of ointment of elder, rubbing it strongly in with the hand, that it may 
penetrate the skin. This done, the horse should be covered with a 
cloth dipped in the warm fomentation, and doubled, and another 
covering should be put over this, tying it on with one or two surcin- 
gles. The horse should remain in this condition twenty-four hours, 
and then be fomented, rubbed, &c, twice as before. These fomenta- 
tions being finished, a warm covering must be continued, lest the 
horse catch cold ; and he should then have an opening clyster, and 
the next morning a purging medicine ; continuing to wash his head 
and neck, and also to rinse his mouth with the decoction. 

For food, put into a pail or two of water, about half a bushel of 
barley meal carefully ground ; stir it well about, and let it settle.— 
When the heaviest parts have subsided, pour the thin part off for the 
horse to drink, and give him what remained at the bottom, at three 
different times in the day, mixing with it a due quantity of crude an- 
timony. The horse must have rest for some time, and be fed with 
the best hay or grass, according to the season of the year. In spring, 
14 



202 THE FARMER'S COJVIPLETE EARRIERo 

there is nothing, better than new grass. In about three- weeks, he will- 
begin to mend remarkably. 

Sect. 256> 

c. — • Surf eit-~Ueb erf wtteriing.—fjeeYr 

The surfeit is a common disease among horses that have been 
©ruelly or injudiciously treated. Sudden changes from heat to cold, 
plunging deep into cold water and drinking plentifully after being 
excessively hard rode, unsound food, being turned from a warm and 
comfortable stable out into the cold air, night dews, &c, &c- often 
produce surfeit. 

Symptoms. — The surfeit first makes its appearance with many 
fine and small lumps under the skin, a partial falling off of the hair 7 
and a constant itching: at length a great number of scabs are formed, 
and some small ulcers, and unless some remedy is employed, the 
whole coat of hair falls off and the horse becomes covered with 
scabs : the hair in the mane and tail will be nearly rubbed off, and 
the little remaining will stand erect. 

Remedy. — Take from the neck vein on the first and fourth days of 
the week, half a gallon of blood; give a mash of one gallon of bran r 
one table spoonful of sulphur, one tea spoonful of saltpetre, and a 
quart of hot sassafras tea, well mixed together, three times within a 
week, not permitting him to drink for six hours whenever a mash is 
taken. 

Give three drenches within the week, composed of one quart of 
sassafras tea, and one tea spoonful of saltpetre, each. Change the 
horse's litter frequently; keep his stable clean, and do not permit him 
to get wet. 

Take of hog's lard and sulphur, equal parts, mix them and anoint 
the horse where the surfeit appears worse, once a day ; and by the 
expiration of a week, if the horse- is not entirely well, he will be 
much benefitted, and nothing more will be necessary, except giving 
him food that is light and easily digested, and observe towards him 
kind treatment 

Sect. 257. 

d.*— Warts — Wartzen. — G er.- 

These are tumors of variable size, arising fir^st from the cuticle, and 
afterwards connected with the true skin, by means of the vessels 
which supply the growth of the tumors. They are found sometimes 
on the eyelids, on various parts of the skin, and on the prepuce. — 
They must be removed by an operation. If the root be very small, 
it may be snipped asunder with a pair of scissors, close to the skin, 
and the root touched with the lunar caustic. If the pedicle or stem 
be somewhat larger, a ligature of waxed silk may be passed firmly 
round it, and tightened every day. The source of nutriment being 
thus cut off, the tumor will, in a few days, die and drop off. If they 
are large, or in considerable clusters, it will be necessary to cast the 



fttft FARMER S COMPLETE EAllRlER. 20$ 

o, to cut them off close to the skin, and sear the root with a red* 
hot iron. Unless these precautions are used, the warts will speedily 
sprout again. 

One of our German authors recommends to cut off the warts, and 
•apply arsenic; afterwards the following composition: 

Take honey, two spoonfuls ; olive oil, three ounces; verdigris, and 
'common gunpowder, two ounces of each ; and triturate the whole 
until it forms a consistent ointment; apply; repeat till healed.-— See 
Appendix — Article, Warts* 

Sect. 25S. 

e, — Moulting, shedding of hair— ~Miv erf ung des ffaars.-—GeY. 

Twice in the year the hair of the body of the horse is changed^. 
That of the mane and tail remains. The bulbous root of the hair 
tloes not die, but the pulpy matter seems to be removed from it, which, 
thus deprived of its nourishment, perishes and drops off, and a new 
hair springs at its side from the same bulb. As this is a process ex- 
tending over the whole of the skin, and requiring a very considerable 
expenditure of vital power, the health of the animal is generally 
affected at these times. That energy and vital influence, which 
should support the whole of the frame, is to a great degree determin- 
ed to the skin, and the animal is languid, and unequal to much hard 
work. He perspires greatly with the least unusual exertion, and if he 
is pressed beyond his strength becomes seriously ilk 

The treatment which the groom in this case adopts is most absurd 
and dangerous. The horse from the deranged distribution of vital 
power, is disposed^ to fever, or he labors under a slight degree of 
fever, sufficiently indicated by the increased quickness of pulse, red- 
ness of nose, and heat of mouth-. The lassitude and want of appetite 
which are the accompaniments of this febrile state, are mistaken for 
debility; and cordials of various kinds, some of them exceedingly 
stimulating, are unsparingly administered. Common sense would 
require, that in this deranged distribution of power, excitants should 
be scrupulously avoided ; not only no cordials should be given, but the 
usual quantity of food should be diminished — bran mashes should be 
given — a little fever or alterative medicine should be administered, 
such as that which we have just described, and the horse should be a 
little more warmly clothed, and sudden or too great exposure to cold 
should be guarded against. There is no doubt that spices hasten the 
process of moulting. The old hair is evidently more speedily thrown 
off, and the new produced, but this at the expense of greater derange* 
ment of the constitution — greater fever — and no little danger, if, 
during this process of moulting, and while nature is thus unnaturally 
forced on, disease of a febrile character should attack the animal. — 
Friction may be allowed, to assist the falling off of the old hair, and 
to loosen the cuticle for the appearance of the new hair, but it should 
be gentle. The currycomb should by no means be used- — even the 
brush should not be applied too hard or too long. The old hair must 
not be forced off before the young hair is ready to take its place.-— 



204 

The exercise should be moderate — the clothing rather warmer thao 
usual, and the water chilled. Nature adapts the coat to the climate 
and to the season. The Sheltie has one as long and as thick as that 
of a bear ; and as the summer is short and cold too in those northern 
islands, the coat is rough and shaggy during the whole of the year,, 
In the deserts of Arabia, where the winter is rarely cold, the coat 
remains short and glossy throughout the year. In our climate, the 
short covering of summer is succeeded in autumn by one of consider- 
ably greater length and thickness ; and that in its turn, yields in the 
spring to the lighter clothing which summer requires. As a thin and 
glossy coat adds to the beauty of the horse, and is identified, to a 
great degree improperly, with his condition, an artificial system has 
been adopted, by which the coat shall remain of nearly the same 
length, and that a short one, during the year. Nature changes it with 
the change of season ; man prevents a change of season in the stable. 
It is always summer there — always sufficiently hot to make a long 
coat useless, and therefore nature, who accommodates herself to cir- 
cumstances, does not give it. The exposure to cold during the few 
hours of exercise may roughen the coat for a little while, but the 
hot clothing and the hot air of more than twenty hours out of the 
twenty-four, give the character to the covering which nature bestows 
on such an animal. This system is not now carried to the injurious 
extent that it used to be, but it yet partakes too much of absurdity 
and danger. The inflammatory complaints to which these hot-house 
animals are subject, and the average shortness of their lives, are suf- 
ficient proofs of the error of the practice. 

The farmer has, or should have, little to do with this artificial man- 
agement of the coat, and he may be assured that his hackney will, 
with his winter hair upon him, be to all intents and purposes in as full 
condition, and as strong and as stout, as the glossiest coated horse, if 
he has been sufficiently and properly fed. 

Sect. 259. 

H. — Miscellaneous, 

a.— -Crib biting. 

Crib biting is one amongst the number of bad habits to which some 
horses are addicted. It consists in his catching hold of the manger, 
grunting and sucking in wind, until he is almost ready to burst. To 
discover this vice, it is only necessary to have a horse fed ; whenever 
they eat, at least one-half of his victuals is wasted, by their catching 
hold of the manger, grunting, straining, and swallowing large quanti- 
ties of wind every two or three mouthfuls, which produces the colic 
and other distressing diseases. 

Whenever this very bad habit is acquired, it is practiced as long as 
the animal lives. Many experiments and fruitless attempts have 
been made to remedy it, but without success. An elegant horse, 
when once he becomes a crib biter, is reduced in value to little or 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 205 

nothing. He always looks hollow, jaded, and delicate, and is incapa- 
ble of rendering service in any situation. 

Dr. White recommends to cure crib biting, to take a leathern strap, 
buckle it tight round the neck, immediately beneath the jaw. This, 
he adds, is however, seldom effectual. A better method is to cover 
the edge of the manger, and every other part he can lay hold of, with 
sheep skins, the wool side out, until the habit is destroyed. 

b.- — Loss of appetite. 

Horses lose their appetites from various causes, viz : — Excessive 
fatigue, want of a change in food, dirty fodder, mouldy corn, or a dirty 
manger, &c. &c, but most frequently by the approach of some dis- 
ease. So soon as you discover a horse has lost his appetite, observe 
the following treatment, viz : 

Take from the neck vein half a gallon of blood ; take of asafetida, 
a quarter of an ounce ; salt, one table spoonful ; sassafras tea, one 
quart ; mix and give them as a drench. 

On the second day, take of glauber salts, one pound ; warm water, 
one quart; after dissolving the salts, give it as a drench, and in two 
or three days, the appetite will be restored, unless the animal is 
laboring"under some disease, which may be ascertained by the symp- 
toms. 

c. — Cold's. 

Nothing is more common than colds among horses, of all ages. — ■ 
They are frequently produced by a want of good rubbing after violent 
exercise, which strikes a chilliness and dampness over the whole 
body ; being changed from a warm and comfortable stable to one cold 
and open; standing out late in dew at night, plunging deep in cold 
water while heated in a profuse perspiration ; all of which have a 
tendency to check the perspirable matter and contract the pores of the 
skin. 

Colds sometimes produce a slight running at the nose ; the remedy 
is simple and almost certain — bleed plentifully. 

d. — Shoeing Iwrses in winter. 

In Canada, where the winter is never of a less duration than five 
months, they shoe their horses in the following manner, which serves 
for the whole winter: — The smith fixes a small piece of steel on the 
forepart of each shoe, not tempered too hard, which turns up about a 
quarter of an inch, in the shape of a horse's lancet; the same to the 
hinder part of the shoe, turned up a little higher than the forepart, 
tempered in the same manner. In going up a hill, the forepart gives 
a purchase that assists the horse, and in going down prevents him 
sliding forward. 



206 THE FARMER ? S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

e. — >To prevent the feet of horses from balling with snow. 

If the frog in the hoof of horses and the fetlock be cleaned, and 
well rubbed with soft soap, previously to their going out in snowy 
weather, it will effectually prevent their falling, from what is termed 
balling the snow. A number of accidents might be prevented by this 
simple precaution, 

f. — Blaze or star. 

When we have a pair of horses that match well in every respect, 
except that one has a blaze or star in the face, it becomes very inter- 
esting and important to know how to make their faces match, and to 
give them blazes or stars precisely alike. This may be done in the 
following manner : 

1 . Take a razor and shave off the hair the form and size you wish 
the blaze or star to be made : then take a small quantity of oil of 
vitriol, and with a feather anoint the part once, which will be quite 
sufficient. After the application of the vitriol, the part will become 
a little sore and inflamed; which may be readily removed and healed 
up, by washing the sore with copperas water. Great care should be 
used to prevent the vitriol from getting on clothes, as it will entirely 
destroy them. 

2. Take a piece of oznaburgs the size you want the blaze or star:: 
spread it with warm pitch and apply it to the horse's face : let it re- 
main two or three days, by which time it will bring off the hair clean,, 
and make the part a little tender; then take of elixir vitriol a small 
quantity ; then anoint the part two or three times ; or, of a very com- 
mon weed called asmart, a small handful ; bruise it and add to it about 
a gill of water ; use it as a wash until the face gets well, when the hair 
will grow out entirely white . 

g.— Salivation in horses. 

It is said that if parsley seeds are sown with clover seeds, the hay 
or grass produced by the mixture will cure slavers or salivation in 
horses, a troublesome complaint in which water runs profusely from 
the mouths of the animals. 

h. — Astringent embrocation for strains in different parts. 

Take of camphor, two drams, dissolved in half an ounce of strong 
rectified spirit of wine ; nitre, one ounce, dissolved in half a pint 
of wine vinegar; spirits of turpentine, four ounces ; white lead, or bole 
armeniac, in powder, half an ounce; aqua fortis, one ounce; mix, 
and shake them all together in a bottle for use. 

L— To spot a white horse with black spots. 

Take litharage, three ounces ; quick lime, six ounces ; beat it fine 
and mix it together ; put it into a pan and pour a sharp lye over it ; then 
boil it, and you will have a fat substance swim on top, with which 



THE FARMER^ COMPLETE FARRIER. 201 

anoint the horse in such places as you design to have black, and it 
will turn to the color immediately. 

It has the same effect in changing hair that is red into a black color, 
with only this difference, viz : — Take an equal quantity of lime and 
litharage, and instead of boiling it with lye, boil it only with fresh 
water ; what swims at top, is fit for use and will answer your expect- 
ation : what hairs you anoint with it in the evening, will be black 
the next morning. 

k. — Driving horse** 

It may be generally remarked, that men who drive fast have swift 
horses ; not that they drive fast because they have swift horses, but 
because fast driving makes horses swift. A horse may commonly be 
trained to a dull and heavy, or to an airy and fleet gait. Nature un- 
questionably does much ; but education does far more towards pro- 
ducing the great difference in the speed of horses, than most men are 
willing to allow. Horses are more frequently injured by driving them 
beyond their habitual pace, than beyond their native power. The 
best direction for the education of horses is, " drive fast and stop 
often." 

1. — To make the much celebrated Strasburgian horse powder. 

Take the root of goat's beard, master wort, of each, three ounces ; 
gentian, adder's wort, earline-tbistle, danewort, hazelwort, savin, lau- 
Tel berries, of each, two ounces ; sulphur of brimstone, six ounces 5 
finely pulverized and mixed. Give the horse, once or twice a week, 
a spoonful. It is a general prevention of all infectious diseases, cre- 
ates and preserves appetite, and will contribute much to keep a horse 
in good condition. This receipt has been sold for five dollars in some 
parts of the United States. 

m. — Paste to stop bleeding. 

Take of fresh nettles, one handful, bruise them in a mortar ; add 
blue vitriol, in powder, four ounces ; wheaten flour, two ounces ; 
wine vinegar, one-half ounce; oil of vitriol, one-half ounce. Beat 
them all together into a paste. 

Let the wound be filled up with paste, and a proper pledget of tow 
laid over the mouth, in order to prevent it from falling out, and then 
bandage it on with a strong roller. This dressing must remain in the 
wound ten or twelve hours. 

Sect, 260.. 

On the healthy and diseased state or condition of the horse, 

[From Loudon's Agricultural Encyclopedia.] 

Condition of horses. — Being in condition, in stable language, sig- 
nifies not only perfect health internally, but such an appearance ex- 
ternally, as the philosopher would call unnatural, or at least artificial ; 



208 

while the amateur considers it as an essential requisite -to the other 
qualities of the horse. This external condition is denoted by a sleek* 
short, shining' coat, with a degree of flesh neither bordering on fat- 
ness nor emaciation. Even in this sense of the term, condition must 
be varied according to the uses of the animal. In the cart horse, 
provided there be a sleekness of coat, looseness of hide, sound wind, 
freedom from grease or swelled legs, with good digestion; a fulness 
and rotundity of bulk, instead of detracting from his beauty or impe- 
ding his exertions, will add to the one and assist the other. In the 
coach horse, the hackney, the hunter, and the racer, a different con- 
dition is expected, varying in different degrees from that of the cart 
horse. In both cart horse and racer, it is equally necessary that the 
various internal organs should be in a state to act uninterruptedly for 
the benefit of the whole ; but in addition to this, it is necessary to the 
racer, that the greatest possible quantity of animal fibres should be 
condensed into the smallest possible bulk, and that the absorption of 
all useless fat and other interstitial matter should be promoted by 
every possible means, as essentially necessary to unite lightness of 
body with full strength and elasticity. It is in the attempts to pro- 
duce such a state in its full perfection, that all the secrets of training 
consists : but whether a total departure from natural rules, by unna- 
tural heat, deprivation of light, stimulating food, restraint from water,. 
and excessive clothing, are best calculated to promote it, admits of 
much doubt ; and it is to be observed that the dawn of reason and 
science appears to be shining through the crevices of these darkened 
casements ; for even at Newmarket, the system has lately much re- 
laxed from its artificial rigor. 

Sect.261* 

To bring a horse into condition, not only should the purposes he 
is intended for be taken into account, but also his previous state. If 
he be taken up from grass with much flesh on him, it is evident that 
what is required is to remove the soft interstitial matter it may be 
supposed he has gained by green food, and to replace it by hard flesh; 
and also to produce a sleekness of coat and beauty of appearance. 
To accomplish these ends, the horse should be accustomed to clothing, 
and the full heat of the stable, by degrees only ; and also by degrees 
only to the meditated change of food; which is best done by mashes. 
In two or three days a mild dose of physic may be given, during all 
which moderate exercise only should be allowed, as walking, but 
which may be continued two hours at a time. After the physic has 
set, begin to dress his coat, increase his exercise and his food, and 
accustom him to an increase of warmth. In four or five days time, 
again mash him for two days, and give him a second dose of physic, 
a little stronger than the first. After this still further increase his 
warmth, his exercise, and his food, by which his belly will be taken 
up, his flesh will harden and his coat begin to fall. A third dose of 
physic or urine balls, &c, are only necessary in the training of hunt- 
ers, &c, and even in these, a gradual increase of exercise, rather 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 209 

long continued than violent, with proper food, will effect the end, if 
not so quickly, more beneficially to the animal. 

To bring a lean horse into condition, a somewhat different plan 
should be pursued. If from grass, still mash him for a day or two, 
by no means stint him in his water, and with his mash let oats be 
also soaked. If oats be speared or malted, it will produce flesh sooner. 
But even here, give the horse moderate walking exercise, and if he 
be not too much reduced, add a mild dose of physic to prevent his 
heels flying, or his getting hidebound by the increased food ; but if 
great emaciation forbid the physic, give him nightly an alterative: 

Take antimony, two drams; cremor tartar, flour of sulphur, each, 
one-half ounce; mix. 

As his appearance improves, gradually harden his food and increase 
his exercise. — See p. 38, 39. 

Sect. 262. 

Diseased condition of horses.*— What has been already said re- 
lates to that alteration from one state to another, neither being an un- 
healthy one, which custom has rendered necessary : thus a man in 
training for running or fighting, and a man out of training, are both 
considered equally healthy. But there are circumstances that pro- 
duce a morbid state of condition different from all these. It is common 
to hear persons say "my horse is sadly out of condition, and I cannot 
tell either what is the matter with him, or how to get him into better 
case." Various are the causes that may produce this: a sudden 
alteration of the food, or temperature, or of habits altogether, may 
become a cause. Removing a horse from grass to a heated stable, 
full feeding, and hard exercise, will often do it: therefore these changes 
should always be gradual. Bad food, as mow-burnt hay, musty oats, 
beans, &c, likewise mineral waters, foul air, &c, are frequent causes. 
Diabetes, or profuse staling, is often brought on by these means, and 
the condition of the horse becomes greatly reduced. It is requisite, 
therefore, to enquire whether any of these errors are in existence, 
and to immediately remove them ; but it often happens that the sto- 
mach has become relaxed and the hide become bound ; neither of 
which readily remove, even though the original evil may be amended. 
When the relaxed stomach has produced lampas, treat the mouth as 
described under that disease,* but the stomach itself must be princi- 
pally attended to. First mash and give a dose of physic; after it 
has set, commence the treatment, if the horse be of a full habit, by 
moderate bleeding and a nightly alterative.* — See formula, Sect. 261. 
But if he be not in full, but in low flesh, commence by a daily tonic: 
Take Winter's bark, in powder, three drams ; green vitriol, powdered, 
one and a-half drams; gentian, powdered, three drams; make into a 
ball of honey, and give every morning ; which will gradually remove 
the swelling within the mouth, and loosen the hide. 

A sudden cold applied to the skin often brings on a want of con- 

* See Index — Lampas. 



210 

dition with surfeit. In which case, bleeding, with nightly alterative, 
Sect. 261, with or without an assistant dose of physic, as the habits 
of the horse may require, constitute the proper treatment. Worms 
form another cause of morbid condition which are to be removed as 
described under the head of Worms— See Index. 

Excessive fatigue is also productive of a bad state of condition, 
which often proves very obstinate. Turning out to very good grass 
is the quickest cure, and when that is impracticable, soiling in the 
stable, or feeding with carrots, parsneps, beet root, &c, will be food 
restoratives ; as medicines give tonics daily. 

It will be only necessary to add, that in considering the state of a 
horse's condition, the effect is apt to be mistaken for the cause, and 
the symptoms for the disease. Hidebound and lampas are not in 
themselves any thing more than effects, or symptoms ; the former 
being commonly, and the latter always, dependent on a deranged state 
of the stomach ; both are therefore to be treated accordingly. — Loudon. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

VETERINARY OPERATIONS. 

Sect. 262. 

This chapter we have copied from Loudon's Agricultural Ency- 
clopedia, Book VII., Sect, VI., p. 989 — consecutive sections, 6530 to 
6547 — and we also incorporated an extract from Mason, on Nichiyig. 

The general practices to be here enumerated are chiefly the treat- 
ment of wounds, the application of fomentations, setons, blisters, 
clysters, and physicing, and the operation of castrating, nicking, 
bleeding, &c. 

Sect. 263. 

Treatment of wounds. 

A wound must be treated in some measure according to the part of 
the horse's body in which it happens : but there are some principles 
to be observed alike in all horse surgery. There are likewise a few, 
which, as they differ from the principles of human surgery, should 
be first noticed, and which should guide the practice of those who 
might be misled by analogy. The wounds of horses, however care- 
fully brought together and confined in their situation, as well as shut 
out from the stimulus of the external air, are seldom disposed to unite 
at once, or as it is called in surgical language, by the first intention. 
It is always, therefore, necessary to expect the suppurative process ; 
but as the adhesive inflammation does now and then occur, we should 
never wash with water or other liquids a mere laceration, if no for- 
eign matter, as dirt, &c, be suspected to be lodged within it, still 
less should we stuff it with candle or tents of any kind. On the 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 211 

contrary, it should be carefully and smoothly brought together, and 
simply bound up in its own blood ; and if it do not wholly unite at 
once, and by the first intention, perhaps some portion of it may ; and 
at all events, its future progress will be more natural, and the disfigu- 
ration less than when stuffed with tents, tow, &c, or irritated with 
heating oils or spirits. When an extensively lacerated wound takes 
place, it is common, and it is often necessary to insert sutures, or 
stitches, into the lips of the wound : and here we have to notice ano- 
ther considerable variation from the principles of human inflammation, 
which is, that these stitches in the horse, ox, and dog, soon ulcerate 
out, seldom remaining longer than the third or fourth day at farthest. 
It therefore is the more necessary to be careful, that by perfect rest, 
and the appropriation of good bandages, we secure the wound from 
distortion. In this we may be assisted by strips of sticking plaster, 
made with diachylon and pitch ; but these strips should be guarded 
from touching the wound itself by means of lint or tow first put over 
it. When in addition to laceration in a wound, there is a destruction 
of substance, then the caution of washing will not apply, as it will 
be necessary to bathe with some warming spirit, as, tincture of myrrh, 
tincture of aloes, or friar's balsam, to assist in restoring the life of the 
part, and in preventing mortification. 

Bleeding must be stopped by pressure and astringents, as powdered 
alum ; when it is very considerable the vessel from whence the blood 
comes must be taken up. When great inflammation follows wounds 
or bruises, counteract it by bleeding, a cooling temperature, opening 
medicines, and continual fomentations to the part itself. 

Cure for wounds — King of Oils. 

This invaluable remedy for wounds in cattle or horses, particularly 
the latter, has lately been brought before the public by Silas Gaylord, 
of Skeneatles, and we have known some very surprising cures per- 
formed by it, in the case of severe wounds in horses." 

The following are the directions given for preparing the medicine: 
Take one ounce of green copperas ; two ounces of white vitriol ; 
two ounces of common salt; two ounces of linseed oil ; eight ounces 
of West India molasses ; boil over a slow fire fifteen minutes, in a 
pint of urine ; when almost cold, add one ounce of oil of vitriol and 
four ounces of spirits of turpentine. Apply it to the wound with a 
quill or feather, and the cure will be speedily effected.— Albany Cul- 
tivator. — See Appendix — Article, Wounds. 

Sect. 264. 

Balls and drinks. 

Mode of giving a ball. — Back the horse in his stall, and being 
elevated on a stool, (not a bucket turned upside down,) gently draw 
the tongue out of the mouth, so as to prevent its rising to resist the 
passage of the hand : the tongue should however, not be laid hold of 
alone, but it should be held firmly by the fingers of the left hand 



212 the farmer's complete farrier. 

against the jaw. The ball previously oiled should be taken into the 
right hand, which should be squeezed into as narrow a shape as pos- 
sible, must be passed up close to the roof of the mouth, and the ball 
placed on the root of the tongue, when both hands being withdrawn, 
it will readily pass down. This mode is much preferable, when a 
person is at all handy, to using a balling iron. 

Mode of giving a drink. — Exactly the same process is pursued, 
except that a horn holding the liquid matter is forced up the mouth ; 
the passage being raised beyond the level line, the liquid is poured 
out from the larger end of the horn, and when the tongue is loosened, 
it is swallowed. Clark, however, ingeniously proposes to substitute 
the smaller end of the horn, the larger being closed, by which, he 
says the horn can be forced up the mouth between the teeth, and 
poured farther back, so as to ensure its not returning. 

Sect. 265. 
Fomentations and poultices. 

Fomentations are very commonly recommended of various herbs, 
as rue, camomile, St. John's wort, wormwood, bay leaves, &c, but 
the principal virtue is to be found in warmth and moisture, which 
unload the vessels ; but this warmth ought not to be too considerable, 
except when the inflammation is within, as in inflamed bowels. Here 
we foment to stimulate the skin, and cannot foment too hot; but when 
we do it at once to an inflamed part, it ought not to be more than of 
blood heat; and it should be continued long, and when removed, the 
part should be dried or covered, or cold may be taken, and the inflam- 
mation increased instead of diminished. Anodyne fomentations are 
made of poppy heads and of tobacco, and are frequently of great use. 

The method of applying fomentations is conveniently done by 
means of two large woolen cloths wrung out of the heated liquors ; 
as one is cooling the other should be ready to be applied. 

Poultices act in the same way as fomentations, in allaying irritation 
and inflammation ; but are in other respects more convenient, because 
they act continually. It is an error to suppose that poultices, to be 
beneficial, should be very hot ; however hot they may be applied, 
they soon become of the temperature of the surrounding parts. — 
When poultices are applied to the extremities, a stocking, as has 
been before stated, is a convenient method of application. When it 
is drawn over the leg and bound around the lower part of the hoof, 
or of the pastern, or otherwise, the matter of the poultice may be put 
within, and it may then be kept in its situation, if high up on the ex- 
tremity, by means of tape fastened to one part of it, and passed over 
the withers, or back to the other side, and again fastened to the stock- 
ing. In this way, also, loose bandages may be retained from slipping. 
Cold poultices are often useful in the inflammations arising from 
strains, &c. In these cases, bran and goulard water form a conve- 
nient medium ; but when the poultice is necessarily hot, a little linseed 
meal added to the bran, will render it adhesive, and give it consistence. 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER- 213 

It is a very necessary caution in this, as in every instance where ban- 
dages are wanted around the extremities, to have them broad, and 
only so tight as to secure the matters contained, as in a poultice, or as 
in common bandaging. It is often supposed that as "strong as a 
horse," denotes that nothing can be too strong for him, nor any 
means too violent to hurt him. The horse, on the contrary, is one 
of the most tender animals alive : and a string tied very tight round 
the leg would occasion first, a falling off of the hoof; next, a morti- 
fication of the rest of the limb, and lastly, the death of the animal ; 
and all this, as certainly as though he were shot with a bullet through 
the head. 

Sect. 266. 
Setons and rowels. 

Setons are often useful in keeping up a drain to draw what are 
termed humors from parts ; or by their irritations on one part, they 
lessen the inflammation in another part not very remote, as when ap- 
plied to the cheek for ophthalmia or inflamed eyes. They also, in 
the same way, lesson old swellings by exciting absorption. Another 
useful action they have, is to make a dependent or convenient orifice 
for the escape of lodged matter: thus a seton passed from the upper 
part of the opening of poll-evil, through the upper part of the inte- 
guments of the neck, as low a"s the sinuses run, will often effect a 
cure without further application. The same, with fistulous withers, 
which sometimes run under the shoulder blade, and appear at the arm 
point; in which case a blunt seton needle, of sufficient length to be 
passed down to that point, and to be then cut down upon, will form 
the only efficient mode of treatment. Setons may be passed in do- 
mestic farriery, with a common packing needle and a skein of thread, 
or piece of tape: but in professional farriery, they are made by a 
proper needle armed with tape or lamp cotton, or skeins of thread or 
silk, smeared over with digestive ointment. When the seton needle 
is removed, the ends of the tape should be joined together, or other- 
wise knotted, to prevent them from coming out. 

Rowels, in their intention, act as setons, and as irritating a larger 
surface, so when a general drain is required they act better; as in 
case of grease, &c, but when their action is confined to a part only, 
setons are more convenient. Any person may apply a rowel by 
making an incision in the loose skin about an inch separating with 
the finger its adherence around, and then inserting in the opening, a 
piece of round leather, with a hole in the middle, smeared with a 
blistering ointment. Then plug the opening with tow, and in three 
days, when the suppuration has begun, remove it. The rowel leather 
is afterwards to be daily removed and cleaned. 



214 the farmer's COMPLETE FARRIER. 

Sect. 267. 
Blistering and firing. 

Blistering answers the same purposes as setons, and is practiced by 
first cutting or shaving the hair from the part, when the blistering 
ointment, (See Index, Blistering,) should be well rubbed in for ten 
minutes, or a quarter of an hour. Some of the ointment, after the 
rubbing, may be smeared over the part. The head of the horse 
should now be tied up, to prevent his gnawing or licking. If a neck 
cradle be at hand, it may also for safety be put on ; in which the head 
may be let down the third day. 

A neck cradle for blistered horses is very convenient for other 
occasions also, when the mouth is to be kept from licking or biting 
other parts; or to keep other parts from being rubbed against the 
head. It is of very simple construction, and may be made by a 
dozen pieces of wood of about an inch and a-half in diameter, as old 
broom handles, &c. These, bored at each end, admit a rope to pass 
through ; and as each is passed on, a knot may be tied to the upper 
part of the pieces of the cradle, two inches apart; and those which 
form the lower part, four inches; by which means the neck will be 
fitted by the cradle when it is put on ; and the horse will be pre- 
vented from bending his head to lick or gnaw parts to be protected. 
When the lower parts of the legs, particularly the hinder, require 
blistering, it is necessary to bear in mind that in gross full horses, 
particularly in autumn, grease is very apt to follow blistering; and 
almost certainly if the back of the heels below the fetlock be blistered. 
First, therefore, smear this part over with lard or suet, and afterwards 
avoid touching it with the ointment. After blistering in summer, the 
horse is often turned out before the blistered parts are quite sound; 
in this case, guard them from flies by some kind of covering, or they 
may become fly-blown : and likewise on the fourth or fifth day rub into 
the blistered part, some oil or lard, to prevent the skin from cracking. 

Sweating or liquid blisters,* are only more gentle stimulants, which 
are daily applied to produce the same effects on a diseased part with- 
out removing the hair. Of course, less activity is expected; yet as 
the action is repeated, they are often more beneficial even than blis- 
tering itself; as in old strains and stiffnesses. 

Firing, as requiring the assistance of an experienced practitioner, we 
shall not describe ; it will be prudent only to point out that it is a 
more active mode of blistering ; and that it acts very powerfully as a 
stimulant, not only while its effects last as blisters do, but also after 
its escharotic effect is over, by its pressure ; and in this way it is that 
it operates so favorably in bony exostosis, as splints and spavins ; 

* Mild liquid or sweating blister. 

*. 
Take an ounce of the following composition, viz; Spanish flies, powdered, one 

and a-half dram; oil of origanum, one and a-half dram; oil of turpentine, four 

drams; olive oil, two drams; add thereto, one ounce and a-half of goose grease. 

To prepare a good blister, the Spanish flies should be steeped three weeks in the 

turpentine, and strained off; then mixed. 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIEE. 215 

and in this way it is so useful in old ligamentary weaknesses ; because 
by lessening the dilatability of the skin, it becomes a continual ban- 
dage to the part. 

Sect. 268. 
Cly sieving and Phy siting* 

Clystering should always be preceded by back-raking, which con- 
sists in oiling one hand and arm, and passing them up the fundament, 
and by that means to remove all the dung balls that can be reached. 
The large pewter syringe for clystering, is neither a useful or safe 
machine, A much better consists in a turned box pipe, to which 
may be attached a large pig or ox bladder, by which four or five 
quarts of liquid can be administered at one time.* The pipe should 
be previously oiled, by which means it passes more easily: the liquor 
should then be steadily pressed up; and when the pipe is removed, 
the tail should be held down over the fundament a little to prevent 
the return of the clyster. In some cases of a spasmodic nature, as 
gripes and locked jaw, great force is made by the bowels to return 
the clyster, and nothing but continued pressure over the fundament 
can enable it to be retained. Clysters not only act in relaxing the 
bowels, but they may be used as means of nutriment when it cannot 
be taken by the mouth; as in locked jaw, wounds of the mouth, 
throat, &c. &c. In locked jaw, it was observed by Gibson, that he 
kept a horse alive many days by clysters alone ; and by clysters also, 
many medicines may be given more conveniently than by the mouth. 

Physicing of horses. — It is equally an error to refrain altogether 
from giving horses physic, as it is to give it on every occasion, as 
some do. Neither is it necessary for horses to be bled and physicked 
every spring and autumn, if they be in perfect health, and the less so, 
as at this time they are generally weak and faint from the change 
going on in their coats — nor is it always necessary to give to horses 
physic when they come from grass or a straw yard ; provided the 
change from the one state to the other, be very moderately brought 
about. But on such a removal, it certainly expedites all the pheno- 
mena of condition, (2,) and such horses are less likely to fall to pieces, 
as it is termed afterwards. (3.) In various morbid states, physic is 
particularly useful, as in worms, hidebound, from too full a habit, &c. 
&c. It is not advisable to physic horses in either very cold or very 
warm weather. Strong physic is always hurtful ; all that physic can 
do is as well operated by a mild as by a strong dose, with infinitely 
less hazard. No horse should be physicked whose bowels have not 
been previously prepared by mashing for two days at least before. — 
By these means the physic will work kindly, and a moderate quantity 

* Astringent Clysters. 
Tripe liquor or suet boiled in three pints of milk ; thereto add thick starch, two 
pints ; laudanum, half an ounce ; 

Or; 
Alum whey, one quart ; boiled starch, two quarts. 



216 the farmer's complete farrier. 

only is requisite. Most of the articles put into the purging balls for 
horses, to assist the aloes, are useless. Jalap will not purge a horse, 
nor rhubarb either. Aloes are the only proper drug to be depended 
on for this purpose, and of all the varieties of aloes the socotorine and 
Cape are the best. Barbadoes- aloes are also not improper, but are 
thought more rough than the socotorine. For formula of purging 
balls, see below.* Blaine gives the following as the process: 

Phy siting process. — The horse having fasted an hour or two in 
the morning from food, but having had his water as usual, give him 
his purge, and two hours after offer him a little chilled, but not warm 
water, as is often done, by which horses are disgusted from taking 
any; it may be here remarked that in this particular much error is 
frequently committed. Many horses will drink water with the chill 
taken off, provided it be perfectly clean, and do not smell of smoke 
from the fire, kettle or sauce-pan ; but few, very few, will drink warm 
or hot water ; and still fewer, if it be in the least degree greasy or 
smoky. 

After the ball has been given two hours, a warm bran mash may 
be offered, and a very little hay. He should have walking exercise as 
usual, moderately clothed; and altogether he should be kept rather 
warmer than usual. At noon mash again, and give a little hay, 
which should be repeated at night, giving him at intervals chilled 
water. On the following morning the physic may be expected to 
work; which if it do briskly, keep the horse quiet; but should it 
not move his bowels, or only relax them, walk him quietly half an 
hour, which will probably have the desired effect. Continue to give 
mashes and warm water, repeating them every two or three hours to 
support him. When physic gripes a horse, give a clyster of warm 
water, and hand-rub the belly, as well as walk him out. If the grip- 
ing prove severe, give him four ounces of gin in half a pint of strong 
ale, which will soon relieve him. On the next day the physic will 
probably set, but should it continue to work him severely, pour down 
some boiled starch; and if this fail, turn to the directions under 
diarrhea. The horse should return to his usual habits of feeding and 
full exercise by degrees ; and if more than one dose is to be given, a 
week should intervene. 

It is often requisite to make the second and third doses rather 
stronger than the first. A very mild dose of physic is likewise often 
given to horses while at grass in very warm weather, and without 
any injury. When worms or skin foulness are present, and mercu- 
rial physic is deemed necessary, it is better to give two drams of calo- 
mel in a mash the previous night, than to put it into the purging ball. 

* Purging medicines — Balls — very mild. 
Take aloes, powdered, six drams; oil of turpentine, one dram. Or, take aloes, 
powdered, eight drams ; oil of turpentine, one dram. 
For strong balls. 
Take aloes, powdered, ten drams ; oil of turpentine, one dram. The aloes 
may be beaten with treacle, to a mass, adding, during the beating, the oil of turpen- 
tine. Nothing else to be added — all spices are useless. 



•217 
Sect. 269. 
Bleeding. 

'Bleeding is a very common, and to the horse a very important 
operation, because his inflammatory diseases, on account of the great 
strength of his arterial system, run to a fatal termination very soon, 
and can be only checked in the rapidity of their progress by abstract- 
ing blood, which diminishes the momentum of circulation. 

Bleeding is more particularly important in the inflammatory dis- 
eases of the horse ; because we cannot, as in the human, lower the 
circulation by readily nauseating the stomach. Bleeding also lessens 
irritation, particularly in the young and plethoric, or those of full 
habit; hence we bleed in spasms of the bowels, in locked jaw, &c.., 
with good effect. Bleeding is general or topical. General as from 
the neck, when we mean to lessen the general momentum. Topical 
when we bleed from a particular part, as the eye, the plate vein, the 
toe, &c. Most expert practitioners use a large lancet to bleed with.; 
and when the habit of using it is acquired, it is by far the best instru- 
ment, particularly for superficial' veins where a blow might carry the 
fleam through the vessel. In common hands, the fleam as the more 
general instrument, is best adapted to the usual cases requiring the 
agriculturists notice. Care should, however, be taken not to strike 
it with vehemence, and the hair being first wetted and smoothed down, 
it should be pressed close between the hairs, so that its progress may 
not be impeded by them. 

A ligature should be first passed round the neck, and a hand held 
over the eye, unless the operator be very expert, when the use of the 
fingers will dispense with the ligature. The quantity of blood taken is 
usually too small. In inflammatory diseases, a large horse, particular- 
ly in the early stage of a complaint, will bear to lose eight or ten quarts : 
and half the quantity may be taken away two or three times after- 
wards, if the violence of the symptoms seem to require it ; and the 
blood should be drawn in a large stream to do all the good it is capa- 
ble of. After the bleeding is finished introduce a sharp pin, and avoid 
drawing the skin away from the vein while pinning, which lets the 
blood escape between the vein and skin ; wrap round a piece of tow 
or hemp, and next day remove the pin, which might otherwise in- 
flame the neck. In drawing blood let it always be measured ; letting 
it fall on the ground prevents the ascertaining the quantity ; it also pre- 
vents any observation on the state of the blood ; which if it form 
itself into a cup-like cavity on its surface, and exhibit a tough yellow 
crust over this cavity it betokens an inflammatory state of blood that 
will require further bleedings, unless the weakness forbid. After the 
bleeding, it now and then happens from rusty lancets, too violent a 
stroke with the blood stick, or from drawing away the skin too much 
while pinning up, that the orifice inflames and hardens, and ichor is 
seen to ooze out between its edges. Immediately after this is dis- 
covered, recourse must be had to an able veterinary surgeon, or the 
horse will loose the vein, and perhaps his life. 

15 



« 



2-18 the farmer's COMPLETE FARRIEKv 

Sect, 269, 

Nicking and pullying a horse, 

[see plate.] 

Nicking a horse has been generally believed to be attended witi; 
much difficulty, and to require great ingenuity and art to perform the 
operation. The nicking alone, is by far the easiest part, as the curing 
and pullying requires considerable attention and trouble. Nicking 
is an operation performed for the purpose of making a horse carry an 
elegant artificial tail, which adds much to his beauty and value. A 
liorse may be finely shaped, even without fault, except carrying a bad 
tail, and he will not command a larger sum than one of very loose and 
ordinary shape elegantly nicked. One thus operated on, will have 
an appearance of gaiety, sprightliness, and life, which cannot be given 
by art in any other way; indeed, it frequently happens the tail sells 
for one-fourth the value of the horse, which argues strongly in favor 
of the operation being performed on every tolerable likely horse, that 
is naturally deficient in that respect. 

Some are of opinion, and ! particularly our plain, good old farmers, 
who are in the habit of raising fine horses, that nicking is injurious, 
weakening the back, unstringing the tendons, relaxing the muscles 
about the hind parts, causing a horse frequently to fall and sometimes 
to catch upon their ancles behind, almost breaking the rider's back : 
in all of which they are entirely mistaken, and would readily be con- 
vinced of the fact, if they were to study the anatomy of the horse. 
Every tendon, muscle, nerve, artery, &c, that is separated in nicking, 
is always cut in docking; and we do not find it the result of experi- 
ment, that a horse with a long tail is more durable, stronger, free from 
catching or sinking behind, than a horse that has been docked. Nick- 
ing will never make a bad horse a good one, or a good horse a bad one» 

The opinion unfavorable to nicking, no doubt, has taken its rise 
from- many delicate, weak, long-legged horses being nicked for the 
purpose of selling them. When the operation succeeds well, the 
horse assumes a new appearance, being more like a dancing master 
than a grave digger, after which he will continue to practice his old 
habits of catching behind, or making a bow, although he appears as 
if he could glide upon the wind. This elegant tail causes them to 
forget this is the same tender and weak horse that was in bad habits 
before he was nicked ; and almost proves, without reflection, that 
nicking is the cause of his apparent weakness. Indeed if such opin- 
ions were founded on fact, all horses that had been nicked, would 
fall and catch behind, whenever they had to descend a small hill. I 
have never known an instance of a horse catching behind after being 
nicked, that was not in the habit previous to the operation being per- 
formed. 

Before I describe the operation of nicking, it may be necessary to 
inquire into the effect, or how the elevation of the tail is brought about 
In order to do this, and judge of the operation with propriety, we 
must consider the tail elevated or raised by one set of muscles, end- 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 219 

mg in large tendons, and depressed or drawn down by another; the 
muscles and tendons that elevate the tail, are stronger and more nu- 
merous, and nearer to the bone- than those that depress it; they are 
closely connected to the bones of the tail by fleshy fibres, and ter- 
minate in strong tendons at the extremity. The tendons that throw 
down or depress the tail, are two in number, and may be found with- 
in a quarter of an inch of the outer sides of the tail, next to the hair. 
There are three arteries; two large, on the outer side and immediate- 
ly under the tendons, and one in the centre between the two nearer 
the bone, all running into a longitudinal direction, and decreasing in 
-size to the extreme end. 

To perform the operation of nicking, it is first necessary the horse 
should be well secured, to prevent his kicking or doing other injury ; 
a twitch is to be put on his upper lip, but not so high as to prevent 
his breathing; a cord is to be made fast to the fetlock of one of his 
hind-legs, thence carried forward and made fast to his fore-leg above 
the knee, which will effectually prevent his doing injury during the 
operation. — -See plate. 

Being now confined, you are ready to commence the operation, 
which chiefly consists in a transverse division of those depressing ten- 
dons of the tail, and such a position afterwards as will keep their 
extremities again from coming into contact ; so that, an intervening 
callous fills up the vacuity, and elevates, erects, and props the tail. — 
There are three different modes of nicking, all of which I will pro- 
ceed to explain, giving an opportunity to any person, about to per- 
form the operation, to make their selection. 

To make a horse carry an elegant tail, is attended with some un- 
certainty, as much depends upon the spirit, disposition, form, size of 
the bone of the tail, &c. &c. &c. A horse of good spirit, tolerable 
shape, and a small bone in the tail, can be made to carry an elegant 
tail with the greatest ease ; particularly if he carried a tolerably natu- 
ral tail. But a dull, leather-headed, flop-eared horse, with a remarka- 
ble large bone in his tail, will set you a task, although you may break 
the bone in two or three places — indeed there is so much difference 
in horses, that some judgment must be exercised about the mode best 
to be adopted to the accomplishment of the object in view. 

Nothing can more disfigure the appearance of a horse, than to be 
half nicked. The form of the tail, when this unfortunately happens, 
departs from the simplicity of nature, and never attains the elegance 
of art. 

The first mode of nicking I shall describe, is the simplest, and at- 
tended with the least trouble ; and although it succeeds well, twice 
out of three times, yet I think inferior to the other two I shall pre- 
sently describe. Being prepared with a sharp knife and a crooked 
piece of iron or buck's horn, for the purpose of performing the ope- 
ration : 

1st. Have a twitch placed upon his nose as directed in the engra- 
ving annexed. — Figure 3. 

2d. With a strong rope, confine his left hind-leg to his left fore-leg, 
above the knee.' — Figures 5 & 6. 



2W the farmer's COMPLETE farriek. 

3d. Plat the tail close and neatly, from the root to the end, club- 
bing or turning it over a small stick. — Figure 7. 

4th. Turn the tail up, with a strong arm that can keep it firm and 
steady, in a direct line with his rump and back-bone. — Figure 7. 

5th. With a sharp knife make an incision on each side of the tail 
about three inches long, in a longitudinal direction, about two inches 
from the root, and about a quarter of an inch from the outer edge of 
the tail, next to the hair; so soon as you get through the skin, you 
will find exposed the two large tendons. 

6th. Make a second pair of incisions, similar to the first, commenc- 
ing within about two inches of the termination of the first. 

7th. Make one other pair of incisions, in length proportioned to 
the length of the tail, taking care to leave about two inches at the end. 

8th. With a crooked iron or horn, take up the tendons at the first 
incision, as near the root of the tail as possible, and cut them smooth- 
ly in two. 

9th. Take up the tendons at the second incision, and by using 
strength, draw those in the first incision out at the second. 

10th. Draw those of the second out at the third incision, and cut 
them off smoothly. 

11th. Wash the tail in strong salt and water, and take from the 
neck vein half a gallon of blood, three times within a week. 

12th. The horse may be turned out or used moderately, and should 
be fed on green or light food ; his tail should be washed clean, with 
soap and water, three or four times within a fortnight; by which time, 
in all probability, he will be entirely well. A horse nicked in this 
way will require no pullying, provided the tail is well strained up, 
with a strong arm, twice a day. 

The second mode of nicking is attended with more trouble than 
the first; but with the greatest certainty of a horse carrying an ele- 
gant tail. Having confined the horse as first directed, and prepared 
yourself with a sharp knife : 

1st. Make an incision entirely across the under part of the horse's 
tail, deep enough on each side to cut in two the depressors or tendons, 
but shallow in the middle, and about two inches from the root of the 
tail. When the depressors are entirely cut in two, one end of them 
will suddenly draw towards the rump, and the other will slip or shoot 
out of the wound about half an inch, which must be cut off smoothly 
and even with the wound. 

2d. The second incisions must be made like the first, from which 
they must be distant about three inches. 

3d. The third incisions should be made like the second, except 
deeper. If any artery should be cut, it is no cause of alarm ; as a 
plentiful bleeding is of infinite service in speedily curing the tail thus 
operated on, and the blood is easily stopped by wrapping the tail up 
with a small quantity of salt, added to a handful of flour, or by placing 
him in the pulleys ; though from a gallon to a gallon and a-half of 
blood would not be too much to lose. 

4th, After nicking, the tail should be washed in strong salt and 
water, and the horse may not be pulleyed for three or four days, at 



221 

which time all blood, dirt, &c, should be carefully removed, not only 
from the under part of the tail, but from amongst the hair also, and 
should be kept clean until he is cured, which will be about three 
weeks ; by which time should he not be fat, his condition will be 
much improved. 

5th. The tail should be taken out of the pulleys every three or four 
days, unplatted, and washed clean with strong 1 soap suds. 

6th. Bleed every five or six days, taking from a-half to a gallon of 
blood at each bleeding, and if the tail appears much inflamed, bleed 
oftener; it will remove fever and inflammation, and cause the wounds 
to heal very quick. 

7th. His food should be easy of digestion, light and cool, such as 
bran, oats, or green food of any kind. If the root of the tail should 
be inflamed, (which is very often the case after pulleying,) or should 
small biles appear, apply a little tincture of myrrh, copperas, or blue- 
stone water. It very often happens, that the hair in the tail of a 
nicked horse shows a disposition to drop, which should be prevented 
by washing the tail in sharp vinegar, and keeping it nice and clean 
with soap suds. The matter discharged from the wounds, if permit- 
ted to remain amongst the hair for twenty-four hours, will take it off 
as readily as a knife. It is of very great importance to prevent this, 
as the best nicked horse in the world will look ugly, if he has little 
or no hair in his tail; besides, it generally takes twelve months te 
replace it. 

Horses are sometimes nicked, when their blood is in a bad state, 
which is the cause of their tails swelling and showing marks of vio- 
lent inflammation ; to remove which, it will be only necessary to 
bleed plentifully, and apply a poultice made of a strong decoction of 
red oak bark and corn meal. 

If this operation should be performed in a season of the year when 
flies are troublesome, the tail and buttocks of the horse should be 
anointed with sturgeon's oil, which will effectually remove them. 

I shall now proceed to describe the third and best mode of nicking 
every description of horses ; and which, if well attended to, will 
seldom or never fail to succeed. 

1st. The stall, pulleys, halter, and manger, should all be prepared 
for the reception of a horse, previous to being nicked, as directed in 
the engraving prefixed. The pulleys (figure 2) about six or eight feet 
apart, and about the same distance from the stable floor, over each 
side of the stall, and firmly fastened to the wall ; a smooth and small 
cord is then to be passed through each of the pulleys, and to each 
end must be confined two equal weights, as figure 10 ; the halter 
should be constructed and fastened as figure 11; the trough should 
be fastened to the stall or wall, to prevent its being pulled down, 
(fig. 8,) the stall should be three or three and an half feet wide, and not 
deep enough to allow a horse to rub and disfigure his tail, as figure 9. 

2d. The horse should be confined, as figures 5, 6, and 3, and the 
tail closely and neatly platted up and clubbed at the end, or turned 
over a small stick, and securely tied with a waxed string, as figures 
7 and 4. 



222 the farmer's complete farrier, 

3d. Being provided with a sharp knife and a crooked piece of buck f s 
horn, and the tail being turned up by a strong arm, in a direct line 
with the back bone, as before mentioned, commence the operation by- 
making a transverse incision, immediately across the tail, one and a- 
half inches from the root, and deep enough to separate entirely the 
tendons on each side of the under part of the tail, which will be 
found about a quarter of an inch from the hair on the outer edge ; 
this incision in the middle may be shallow. The large arteries lie 
so immediately under the tendons, that they are often wounded or 
separated in performing this operation, which will be a great advan- 
tage in the healing of the wounds, instead of doing injury by the loss 
of blood. But whenever a horse may have bled from one to two 
gallons, the bleeding will readily stop by placing the tail in pulleys,. 
or by applying a small quantity of flour and salt to the wound, and 
wrap the tail up moderately tight with a linen rag, from the root to 
the end. 

4th. Make two incisions lengthwise or longitudinally, (commencing 
about two or two and a-half inches from the cross or transverse inci- 
sion,) and about three inches in length, which will expose the large 
tendons on each side. 

5th. Make two other incisions of the same kind, commencing 
about one inch from the second, and in length running within about, 
two inches of the end of the taih 

6th. Make a transverse incision within half an inch of the termin- 
ation of the longitudinal incisions, (or those made lengthwise,) pretty 
deep. 

7th. With a buck's horn take up the large tendons in the second 
incisions, and draw the ends out of the first ; take up those in the 
third, and draw the ends out of the second, and at the upper part of 
the wound cut off the tendons even and smooth. 

8th. With a strong arm strain up the tail opposite the second in- 
cisions, until the bone slips or breaks ; treat the tail opposite the third 
incisions in the same manner — also the fourth and last, which should 
be made across, 

9th. Wash the tail in strong salt water, and the horse may be 
placed in a stall, turned in a pasture, or elsewhere, for two or three 
days. 

10th. Wash the wound and tail clean with strong soap suds, and 
place the horse in the pulleys, by passing a small noose [Figure 1) 
over the stick confined in the hair, at the end of the tail. — Figure 4. 

11th. Take from the neck vein half a gallon of blood, each week, 
until he gets well; or double the quantity should the tail be much in- 
flamed. He should remain in the pulleys about three weeks, in order 
to give the new flesh time to get firm, and should be washed once a 
day with Castile soap, so that it may be kept entirely clean. 

The tail should be taken out of the pulleys twice a week, the hair 
unplatted, and permitted to remain down all night, and the horse 
changed to a clean and large stall, with a good bed of straw, for the 
purpose of sleeping and refreshing himself. Before he is again con- 
fined, he may be rode two or three hundred yards, slow, and without 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER, 223 

being fretted. Whilst standing in the pulleys, his legs should be 
frequently bathed with pot-liquor, in which bacon was boiled; vine- 
gar and sweet oil, or lard and spirits of any kind ; and a mash should 
be given him at least once a week, of one gallon of bran or oats, 
with a table spoonful of powdered brimstone, and one tea spoonful of 
saltpetre ; not permitting him to drink for six hours afterwards. His 
halter should be made of substantial materials, to prevent his break- 
ing loose whilst confined in the pulleys, pulling the hair out of the 
end of the tail, and doing himself other injury. A bucket of salt 
and water may be given twice a week during his confinement, which 
will be very grateful to the taste and cooling to the system. 

12th. Great pains should beHaken to have the weights to the pul- 
leys equal, in order to keep the tail in a perpendicular direction, and 
prevent it from turning to either side during the time of healing ; as 
a horse that carries his tail round to one side, instead of being elegantly 
nicked, is ruined. The wounds, occasionally, should be washed in 
blue-stone or copperas water, which will cause them to heal rapidly ; 
the horse should have as much green and light food as he can eat, 
such as bran, oats, <fcc. Some horses that are nicked in this way, 
and are pulleyed only four or five days, carry very handsome tails; 
but I am of opinion to ensure success, it is necessary they should be 
kept in the pulleys until the wounds are perfectly well. 

Sect, 270. 

Pricking. 

The pricking a horse has proved to be as useless an operation as 
it is simple, seldom or never having the desired effect; consequently 
the practice should be abolished. Many nicked horses fail to carry 
good tails; and much less is it to be expected from a horse that is 
pricked. I would recommend that the operation should never be 
performed. 

Sect. 271. 
Foxing. 

To fox a horse is an operation so simple, that it can be performed 
by almost any person. The only skill is, to select such horses as 
will be improved by being foxed. There is an instrument generally 
used for this purpose ; but the operation can loe performed very cor- 
rectly without it. The simplest and easiest mode is, to take a very 
small paint-brush, and with paint that will form a contrast to the color 
of the horse, mark the ears of the shape and length you prefer ; then 
place on his nose a twitch ; have one of his fore-legs held up ; and 
with a sharp knife cut off the ears, carefully following the line which 
was previously made with the brush; the skin will immediately slip 
down and leave the gristly part a little naked, which must be washed 
in salt and water once a day for about a week, after which they should 
be greased with a little sweet oil, fresh butter or hog's lard, and they 
will get entirely well in two or three weeks. A horse with a small. 



324 THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER- 

thin, delicate head, will show with less advantage after his ears are 
cut off, even if he carried them extremely bad previous to the oper- 
ation. 

Sect. 272, 

Docking. 

Docking a horse is an operation so simple, as to require but little 1 
skill or judgment in its performance. A twitch is to be placed upon 
the upper lip of the horse, but not so high as to prevent his breathing, 
(as in the engraving for nicking, figure 3,) — one of his fore-legs- 
must be held up to prevent his kicking or doing other injury, and a 
waxed string must be tied very tight twice round the tail, just above the 
place where it is to be cut off; a large block of wood is to be placed 
upon his ramp, and the tail turned up and laid smoothly on the block ; 
then, with a sharp instrument, you may cut the tail the length you 
prefer, (though horses docked short generally carry the best tails,) 
or after the waxed string is securely tied, take the tail in one hand y 
and a large knife (sharpened on a brick to give it a rough edge) in 
the other, and with ease, at one stroke, you may cut the tail in two: 
then take a piece of iron, moderately hot, place a little rosin in the 
wound, and sear it, recollecting to cut off the waxed string two or 
three days afterwards, and grease the tail with a little fresh butter or 
sweet oil, which will cause it to heal quickly afterwards. When a 
horse is docked, the same tendons, arteries, and nerves are separated? 
that are divided in nicking ; and it is very rare that a horse's life is 
endangered or lost in consequence of performing either operation. 

Sect. 273. 

[From Loudon's Encyclopedia of Agriculture.} 

Castrating colts. 

The time for castrating or gelding of colts is usually when they 
are about a year old ; although this operation is frequently suspended 
till the second year, especially when it is intended to keep them on 
hand, and without employing them in labor till the following season. 
Parkinson disapproves of delaying this operation so long, and recom- 
mends twitching the colts, a practice well known to the ram breed- 
ers, any time after a week old, or as soon after as the testicles are 
come down; and this method, he says, he has followed himself, with 
great success. Blaine's remarks on the subject of castration appeal- 
worthy of notice : he says, when the breed is particularly good, and 
many considerable expectations are formed on the colt, it is always 
prudent to wait till twelve months: at this period, if his fore parts 
are correspondent with his hinder, proceed to castrate; but if he be 
not sufficiently well up before, or his neck be too long and thin, and 
his shoulders spare, he will assuredly improve by being allowed to 
remain whole six or eight months longer. 

Another writer suggests for experiment, the spaying of mares. 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 225 

thinking they would work better, and have more wind than geldings. 
But he does not appear to have been aware that this is by no means 
a new experiment; for Tusser, who wrote in 1562, speaks of geld- 
ing fillies as a common practice at that period. 

The main objection to this operation is not that brood mares would 
become scarce, as he supposes ; but that, by incapacitating them from 
breeding, in case of accident, and in old age, the loss in this expen- 
sive species of live stock would be greatly enhanced. An old or lame 
mare would then be as worthless as an old or lame gelding is at present. 

The following mode of castrating colts is taken from Mr. Skin- 
ner's American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine : 

The operator must in the first place provide himself with a strong 
rope, a couple of clamps for each colt, (if he intends altering more 
than one,) a little paste, a ball of twine or good thread, and a phial 
of the following mixture : 

Take two tea spoonfuls of red precipitate ; one tea spoonful of 
corrosive sublimate, to be well ground separately, and then intimately 
mixed. 

The clamp is made thus : Take a piece of elder six inches long, 
and from three-quarters to one inch in diameter ; bark it, and split it 
through the middle, and having taken out the pith, cut one adjoining 
end of each piece with a slope, from the inside outwards, about an 
inch, and notch it on the outside, as also the other end that is not 
sloped, that they may be securely tied together. Fill the hollows 
nicely with the paste, and sprinkle over it some of the mixture in 
the phial. Then place the sloped ends together in such a manner, 
that the other ends will be separated about an inch, and tie them by 
several turns of the thread in that position. 

Every preparation being made ; the colt thrown and carefully tied ; 
the integuments of the testicles are to be laid open, the stone pulled 
out, and the epididymis separated from its adhesion to the lower end 
of the testicle as in the ordinary way. The cord is then caught 
in one of the clamps, which is pressed hard upon it, and firmly tied 
at the open end. When this is accomplished, the cord must be cut 
directly off, close to the edge of the clamp, and a little more of the 
above mixture should be sprinkled upon the ends exposed by the 
knife. After the operation is concluded, the clamps should be suffer- 
ed to remain on eighteen or twenty-four hours. They m ay then be 
taken off by penning the colt in a confined place, and cutting the 
strings which tie their blunt ends. 

Neither swelling, nor stiffness, nor any other inconvenience fol- 
lows this operation, and the animal appears, after he is relieved of 
the clamps, as well as ever he was. This method may, with equal 
efficacy, be applied to every other animal whose age or size renders 
the old way precarious. 



226 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Sect. 274. 
Directions for shoeing. 

"Shoeing a horse as most commonly practiced," says White, "has 
a destructive tendency and produces a variety of diseases." Although 
we believe that the proper shoeing of a horse is of the utmost impor- 
tance, and with the view to throw out some hints on it, we have added 
a few sections. Still we cannot believe, that the injury done to horses 
in shoeing, is not to the extent that White and others have fancied. 

We had the promise, from a practical smith, of an article on shoe- 
ing. A press of business has prevented him from complying. He, 
however, agrees in the main, with what we subjoin below: he calls 
it a good article. We think so too. 

Sect. 275. 

The concave-seated shoe. 

The proper form and construction of the shoe is a subject deserv- 
ing of very serious inquiry, for it is most important to ascertain the 
kind of shoe that will do the least mischief to the feet. 

The concave-seated shoe presents a perfectly flat surface to the 
ground, to give as many points of bearing as possible, except that, 
round the outer edge, there is a groove or fuller, in which the nail 
holes are punched, so that, sinking into the fuller, their heads project 
but a little way above, and are soon worn down level with the shoe. 
The ground surface of the common shoe is somewhat convex, and 
the inward rim comes first on the ground: the consequence of this is, 
that the weight, instead of being borne fairly on the crust, is supported 
by the nails and the clencher, which must be injurious to the crust, 
and often chip and tear it. 

The web of the shoe is of the same thickness throughout, from 
the toe to the heel; and it is sufficiently wide to guard the sole from 
bruises, and as wide at the heel as the frog will permit, in order to 
cover the seat of corn. 

On the foot side it is seated. The outer part of it is accurately 
flat, and of the width of the crust, and designed to support the crust, 
and the crust only, for it has already been proved that by the crust 
alone, or rather by the union between the numerous little plates pro- 
ceeding from the crust and the covering of the coffin-bone, the whole 
weight of the horse is supported. Towards the heel this flattened 
part is wider, and occupies the whole breadth of the web, to support 
the heel of the crust and its reflected part, the bar: thus, while it de- 
fends the horn included within this angle from injury, it gives that 
equal pressure upon the bar and the crust, which is the best preven- 
tive against corn, and a powerful obstacle to contraction. 

It is fastened to the foot by nine nails, five on the outside, and four 
on the inner side of the shoe ; those on the outside extending a little 
farther down towards the heel, becausathe outside heel is thicker and 
stronger, and there is more nail-hold ; the last nail on the inner quar- 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 227 

ter being farther from the heel, on account of the weakness of that 
quarter. For feet not too large, and where moderate work only is 
required from the horse, four nails on the outside, and three on the 
inside, will be sufficient; and the last nail being far from the heels, 
will allow more expansion there. 

The inside part of the web is bevelled off, or rendered concave, 
that it may not press upon the sole. The concave shoe prevents the 
possibility of injury, because the sole can never descend in the degree 
in which the shoe is bevelled. A shoe bevelled still further is neces- 
sary to protect the projecting or pumiced foot. 

While the horse is travelling, dirt and gravel are apt to insinuate 
themselves between the web of the shoe and the sole. If the shoe 
were flat they would be easily retained there, and would bruise the 
sole, and be productive of injury ; but when the shoe is thus bevelled 
off, it is scarcely possible for them to remain. They must be shaken 
out every time the foot comes in contact with the ground. 

The web of the shoe is likewise of that thickness, that when the 
foot is properly pared, the prominent part of the frog shall lie just 
within and above its ground surface, so that in the descent of the sole 
the frog shall come sufficiently on the ground, to enable it to act as a 
wedge, and to expand the quarters, while it is defended from the wear 
and injury it would receive if it came on the ground with the first and 
full shock of the weight. 

The nail holes are, on the ground side, placed as near the outer 
edge of the shoe as they can safely be, and brought out near the inner 
edge of the seating. The nails thus take a direction inward, resem- 
bling the direction of the crust itself, and take firmer hold; while the 
strain upon them in the common shoe is altogether prevented ; and, 
the weight of the horse being thrown on a fiat surface, contraction is 
not so likely to be produced. 

Sect. 276. 

The preparation of the foot. 

We will suppose that the horse is sent to the shop to be shod. If 
the master would occasionally accompany him there, he would find 
it much to his advantage. The old shoe must be first taken off. We 
have something to observe, even on this. It was retained on the foot 
by the ends of the nails being twisted off, turned down, and clenched. 
These clenches should be first raised, which the smith seldom takes 
the trouble thoroughly to do : but after going carelessly round the crust 
and raising one or two of the clenches, he takes hold first of one heel 
of the shoe, and then of the other, and by a violent wrench separates 
them from the foot, and by a third wrench, applied to the middle of 
the shoe, he tears it off. By this means he must enlarge every nail 
hole, and weaken the future hold, and sometimes tear off portions of 
the crust, and otherwise injure the foot. The horse generally shows 
by his flinching, that he suffers by the violence with which this pre- 
liminary operation is performed. The clenches should always be 
raised or filed off; and where the foot is tender, or the horse is to be 



228 the farmer's complete farrier. 

examined for lameness, each nail should be partly punched out.— 
Many a stub is left in the crust, the source of future annoyance, when 
this unnecessary violence is used. 

The shoe having been removed, the smith proceeds to rasp the 
edges of the crust. Let not the stander-by object to the apparent vio- 
lence which he uses, for fear that the foot will suffer. It is the only 
means he has, with safety to his instruments, to detect whether any 
stubs remain in the nail holes ; and it is the most convenient method 
of removing that portion of the crust into which dirt and gravel have 
insinuated themselves. 

Next comes the important process of paring out, with regard to 
which it is almost impossible to lay down any specific rules. This, 
however, we can say with confidence, that more injury has been done 
by the neglect of paring, than by carrying it to too great an extent. 
The act of paring is a work of much more labor than the proprietor 
of the horse often imagines ; the smith, except he be overlooked, will 
give himself as little trouble about it as he can ; and that, which in 
the unshod foot would be worn away by contact with the ground, is 
suffered to accumulate month after month, until the elasticity of the 
sole is destroyed, and it can no longer descend, and the functions of 
the foot are impeded, and foundation is laid for corn, contraction, 
navicular disease, and inflammation. That portion of horn should be 
left on the sole, which will defend the internal parts from being bruised, 
and yet suffer the external sole to descend. 

If the foot has been previously neglected, and the horn is become 
very hard the owner must not object if the smith resorts to some 
means to soften it a little ; and if he takes one of his flat irons, and 
having heated it, draws it over the sole, and keeps it a little while in 
contact with it. When the sole is thick, this rude and apparently 
barbarous method can do no harm, but it should never be permitted 
with the sole that is regularly pared out. 

The quantity of horn to be removed in order to leave the proper 
degree of thickness will vary with different feet. From the strong 
foot a great deal must be taken. From the concave foot the horn 
may be removed, until the sole will yield to a moderate pressure. — 
From the flat foot little need be pared; while the pumiced foot will 
spare nothing but the ragged parts. 

The paring being nearly completed, the knife and the rasp of the 
smith must be a little watched, or he will reduce the crust to a level 
with the sole, and thus endanger the bruising of the sole by its pres- 
sure on the edge of the seating. The crust should be reduced to a 
perfect level, all round, but left a little higher than the sole. 

The heels will require very considerable attention. From the stress 
which is thrown on the inner heel, and from the weakness of the 
quarter there, it usually wears considerably faster than the outer one; 
and, if an equal portion of horn were pared from it, it would be left 
lower than the outer heel. The smith should, therefore, accommo- 
date his paring to the comparative wear of the heels, and be very 
careful to leave them precisely level. 

He should be checked in his almost universal fondness for opening 



- 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 229 

the heels, or, more truly, removing that which is the main impediment 
to contraction. That portion of the heels between the inflection of 
the bar and the frog should scarcely be touched, at least nothing but 
the ragged and detached parts should be cut away. The foot may 
not look so pretty, but it will last longer without contraction. 

The bar, likewise, should be left fully prominent, not only at its 
first inflection, but as it runs down the side of the frog. The heel of 
our shoe is designed to rest partly on the heel of the foot, and partly 
on the bar, for reasons that have been already stated. If the bar is 
weak, the growth of it should be encouraged, and it should be scarcely 
touched at the shoeing, until it has attained a level with the crust. 

The horn between the crust and the bar should be carefully pared 
out. Every horseman has observed the relief which is given to the 
animal lame with corns, when this angle is well thinned ; a relief, 
however, which is but temporary, for when the horn grows again, and 
the shoe presses upon it, the torture of the animal is renewed. 

The degree of paring to which the frog must be subjected, will de- 
pend on its prominence, and on the shape of the foot. It must be 
left so far projecting and prominent, that it shall be just within and 
above the lower surface of the shoe, it will then descend with the sole, 
sufficiently to discharge the functions which we have attributed to it. 
If it be lower, it will be bruised and injured; if it be higher, it cannot 
come in contact with the ground, and thus be enabled to do its duty. 
The ragged parts must be removed, and especially those occasioned 
by thrush, but the degree of paring must depend entirely on this 
principle. 

It appears, then, that the office of the smith requires some skill and 
judgment, in order to be properly discharged; and the horse proprie- 
tor will find it his interest occasionally to visit the shop and complain 
of the careless, or idle, or obstinate, and reward, by some trifling gra- 
tuity, the expert and diligent. He should likewise remember that a 
great deal more depends on the paring out of the foot, than on the 
construction of the shoe; that few shoes, except they press upon the 
sole, or are made outrageously bad, will lame the horse ; but that he 
may be very easily lamed from ignorant and improper paring out of 
the foot. 

Sect. 277. 

The putting on of the shoe. 

The foot being thus prepared, the smith looks about for a shoe. He 
should select one that as nearly as possible fits the foot, or may be 
altered to the foot. He will sometimes care little about this, for he 
can easily alter the foot to the shoe. The toe-knife is a very conve- 
nient instrument for him, and plenty of horn can be struck off with 
it, or removed by the rasp, to make the foot as small as the shoe; 
while he cares little, although by the destructive method, the crust is 
materially thinned where it should receive the nail, and the danger of 
puncture is increased, and the danger of pressure upon the sole is 



% 



230 the farmer's complete farrier. 

increased, and a foot so artificially diminished in size will soon grow 
over the shoe, to the hazard of considerable or permanent lameness. 
A shoe, thinner at the heel than at the toe, by letting down the 
heel too low, is apt to produce sprain of the flexor tendon, and a shoe 
thicker at the heels than at the toe, is fit only to elevate the frog, to 
the destruction of its function, and to its own certain disease, and also 
to press upon, batter and bruise that part of the foot which is soonest 
and most destructively injured. 

Sect. 278. 
Calkins. 

It is expedient not only that the foot and ground surface of the shoe 
should be most accurately level, but that the crust should be exactly 
smoothed and fitted to the shoe. Much skill and time are necessary 
to do this perfectly with the drawing knife. The smith has adopted 
a method of more quickly and more accurately adapting the shoe to 
the foot. He pares the crust as level as he can, and then he takes the 
shoe, at a heat something below a red heat, and applies it to the foot, 
and detects any little elevations by the deeper color of the burned 
horn. This practice has been much inveighed against; but it is the 
abuse and not the use of the thing which is to be condemned. If the 
shoe be not too hot, nor held too long on the foot, an accuracy of ad- 
justment is thus obtained, which the knife would be long in producing, 
or would not produce at all. If, however, the shoe is made to burn 
its way to its seat, with little or no previous preparation of the foot, 
the heat must be injurious both to the sensible and insensible parts of 
the foot. 

Nothing is more certain, than that in the horse for work, the heels, 
and particularly the seat of corn, can scarcely be too well covered. — 
Part of the shoe projecting outward can be of no possible good, but 
rather an occasional source of mischief, and especially in a heavy 
country. A shoe, the web of which projects inward as far as it can, 
without touching the frog, affords protection to the angle between the 
bars and the crust. 

Of the manner of attaching the shoe to the foot the owner can 
scarcely be a competent judge; he can only take care that the shoe 
itself shall not be heavier than the work requires — that for work a 
little hard the shoe shall still be light, with a bit of steel welded into 
the toe— that the nails shall be as small, and as few, and as far from the 
heels, as may be consistent with the security of the shoe; and that, 
for light work at least, the shoe shall not be driven on so closely and 
firmly as is often done, nor the points of the nails be brought out so 
high up as is generally practiced. 

There are few cases in which the use of calkins (a turning up and 
elevation of the heel) can be admissible in the fore-feet, except in 
frosty weather, to prevent the slipping of the feet. If, however, 
calkins are used, let them be placed on both feet. If the outer heel 
only be raised with the calkin, as is too often the case, the weight 
cannot be thrown evenly on the foot, and undue straining and injury 



# 



THE FARMER^ COMPLETE FARRIER* 231 

of some part of the foot or of the leg must be the necessary conse- 
quences. Few things deserve more the attention of the horseman 
than this most absurd and injurious of all the practices of the' smith. 
One quarter of an hour's walking, with one side of the shoe or boot 
raised considerably above the other, will painfully convince us of 
what the horse must suffer from this too common method of shoeing. 
If the horse be ridden far to cover, or galloped over much hard and 
flinty ground, he will inevitably suffer from this unequal distribution 
of the weight, If the calkin be put on the outer heel to prevent the 
horse from slipping, either the horn of that heel should be lowered 
to a corresponding degree, or the other heel of the shoe should be 
raised to the same level by a gradual thickening. Of the use of 
calkins in the hinder foot, we shall presently speak. 

Sect. 279. 

Clips. 

These are portions of the upper edge of the shoe, hammered out, 
and turned up so as to embrace the lower part of the crust, and which 
is usually pared out a little to receive the clip. They are very use- 
ful, as more securely attaching the shoe to the foot, and relieving the 
crust from that stress upon the nails which would otherwise be inju- 
rious. A clip at the toe is almost necessary in every draught horse, 
and absolutely so in the horse of heavy draught, to prevent the shoe 
from being loosened or torn off by the stress which is thrown upon 
the toe in the act of drawing. A clip on the outside of each shoe at 
the beginning of the quarters will give security to it. Clips are like- 
wise necessary on the shoes of all heavy horses, and of all others 
who are disposed to stamp, or violently paw with their feet, and thus 
incur the danger of displacing the shoe ; but they are evils, in that 
they press upon the crust as it grows down, and should only be used 
when circumstances absolutely require them. 

Sect. 280. 
The hinder shoe. 

In forming the hinder shoes, it should be remembered that the hind 
limbs are the principal instruments in progression, and that in every 
act of progression, except the walk, the toe is the point on which the 
wiiole frame of the animal turns, and from which it is propelled. — 
This part, then, should be strengthened as much as possible; and, 
therefore, the hinder shoes are made broader at the toe than the fore 
ones, and the toe of the foot, which is naturally broader than that of 
the fore-foot, is still further widened by rasping. Another good effect 
is produced by this, that the hinder foot being shortened, there is less 
danger of overreaching or forging, and especially if the shoe be wider 
on the foot surface than on the ground one ; and thus the shoe is made 
to slope inward, and is a little within the toe of the crust. 

The shape of the hinder foot is somewhat different from that of the 
fore-foot; it is straighter in the quarters, and the shoe must have the 



% 



232 the farmer's complete farrier. 

same shape. For carriage and draught horses generally, calkins may 
be put on the heels, because the animal will be thus enabled to dig 
his toe more firmly into the ground, and urge himself forward, and 
throw his weight into the collar with greater advantage. But the 
calkins must not be too high, and they must be of an equal height on 
each heel; otherwise, as has been stated with regard to the fore-feet, 
the weight will not be fairly distributed over the foot, and some part 
of the foot or of the leg will materially suffer. The nails in the 
hinder shoe may be placed nearer to the heel than in the fore-shoe, 
because, from the comparative little weight and concussion thrown on 
the hinder feet, there is not so much danger of contraction. 

Sect. 281. 

Different kinds of shoes. 

The shoe will vary in substance and weight with the kind of foot, 
and the nature of the work. A weak foot should never wear a heavy 
shoe, nor any foot a shoe that will last longer than a month. Here 
perhaps, we may be permitted to caution the horse proprietor against 
having his cattle shod too much by contract, unless he binds his host- 
ler to remove the shoes once at least in every month; for if the con- 
tractor, by a heavy shoe, and a little steel, can cause five or six weeks 
to intervene between the shoeings, he will do so, although the feet of 
the horse must necessarily suffer. The shoe should never be heavier 
than the work requires. An ounce or two in the weight of the shoe 
will sadly tell before the end of a hard day's work. 

Sect. 282. 

The bar-shoe. 

A bar-shoe is a very useful contrivance. It is the continuation of 
the common shoe round the heels, and by means of it the pressure 
may be taken off some tender part of the foot, and thrown on another 
which is better able to bear it, or more widely and equally diffused 
over the whole foot. It is principally resorted to in cases of corn, 
the seat of which it perfectly covers — in pumiced feet, the soles of 
which may be thus elevated above the ground and secured from pres- 
sure — in sand-crack, when the pressure may be removed from the 
fissure and thrown on either side of it — in thrushes, when the frog is 
tender, or is become cankered, and requires to be frequently dressed, 
and the dressing can by this means alone be retained. In these cases 
the bar-shoe is an excellent contrivance, if worn only for one or two 
shoeings, or as long as the disease requires it to be worn, but it must 
be left off as soon as it can be dispensed with. If it be used for the 
protection of a diseased foot, however it may be chambered and laid 
off the frog, it will soon be flattened down upon it ; or if the pressure 
of it be thrown on the frog to relieve the sand-crack or the corn, that 
frog must be very strong and healthy which can long bear the great 
and continued pressure. More mischief is often produced in the frog 



* 



fttan previously existed in the part which was relieved. It will be 
plain that in the use of the bar-shoe for corn or sand-crack, the crust 
and the frog should be precisely on a level, and the bar should be the 
"widest part of the shoe, to afford as extended bearing as possible oh 
the frog, and therefore less likely to he injurious. Bar-shoes are evi- 
dently not safe in frosty weather; they are never safe when- much 
speed is required from the horse, and they are ap'i to "be wrenched off 
in a heavy clayey country. 

Sect. 28.3. 

Tips. 

Tips are short shoes, reaching only half round the foot, and worn 
while the horse is at grass to prevent the crust being torn by the occa- 
sional hardness of the ground, or by the pawing of the animal ; antl 
the quarters at the same time being free, the foot disposed to contract 
has a chance of expanding and regaining its natural shape. 

Sect. 284. 

The expanding shoe. 

Gur subject would not be complete if we did not describe the sup- 
posed expanding shoe. It is either seated or concave like the com- 
mon shoe, with a joint at the toe, by which the natural expansion of 
-the foot is said to be permitted, and the injurious consequences of 
•shoeing prevented. There is, however, this radical defect in the 
jointed shoe, that the nails occupy the same situation as in the com- 
mon shoe, and prevent, as do the nails of the common shoe, the 
gradual expansion of the sides and quarters, and allow only of a hinge- 
like motion at the toe. This is a most imperfect accommodation of 
the expansion of the foot to the action of its internal parts, and even 
this accommodation is afforded in the slightest possible degree, or 
rather can scarcely be afforded at all. Either the nails fix the sides 
and quarters as in the common shoe, and then the joint at the toe is 
useless; or, if that joint merely opens like a hinge, thq/nail holes in 
the shoe can no longer correspond with those in the quarters which 
are unequally expanding at every point; and, therefore, there will be 
more stress on the crust at these holes, which will not only enlarge 
them and destroy the fixed attachment of the shoe to the hoof, but 
will often tear away portions of the crust. This has, in many cases, 
been found to be the effect of the jointed shoe : The sides and quar- 
ters of the foot have been broken until it has become difficult to find 
nail -hold. This shoe, to answer the intended purpose, should con- 
sist of many joints, running along the sides and quarters, winch 
would make it too complicated and expensive and frail for general 
use. 

While the shoe is to be attached to the foot by nails, we must be 
content with the concave-seated one, taking care to place the nail- 
holes as far from the heels, and particularly from the inner heel, as 
16 




2M THE FARMER^ COMPLETE FARRIER. 

the state of the foot and the nature of the work will admit ; and where 
the country is not too heavy nor the work too severe, even omitting 
the nails on the inner side of the foot. Shoes nailed on the outer 
side, and at the toe, are more secure than some would imagine, while 
the innner quarter will be left free, to prevent contraction, or to arrest 
its progress. 

The attempt, however, to lessen the evils produced by shoeing is 
most praiseworthy. Every contrivance permanently to fix the shoe 
on the foot without the use of nails has failed .. 

Sect, -285,- 
Pelt or leather soles. 

When the foot is bruised or inflamed, the concussion or shock pro- 
duced by the hard contact of the elastic iron on the ground gives- 
the animal much pain, and causes* a short and feeling step, or even 
lameness, and aggravates the injury or disease. A strip of felt or 
leather is sometimes placed between the seating of the shoe and the 
crust, which, from its want of elasticity, deadens or materially lessens 
the' vibration or shock, and the horse treads more freely and is evi- 
dently relieved. This is a very good contrivance while the inflam- 
mation or tenderness of the foot continues, but a very bad practice if 
constantly adopted. The nails cannot be driven so surely or so se- 
curely when this substance is interposed between the shoe and the 
foot; the contraction and swelling of the felt or leather from the effect 
of moisture or dryness will soon render the attachment of the shoe 
less firm ; there will be too much play upon the nails ; the nail holes 
will enlarge, and the erust will be broken away. 

After wounds or extensive bruises of the sole, or where the sole is 
thin and flat and tender, it is sometimes covered with a piece of 
feather, fitted to the sole, and nailed on with the shoe. This may be 
allowed as a temporary defence of the foot; but there is the same 
objection to its permanent use from the insecurity of fastening, the 
strain on the crust, and the frequent chipping of it: and there are 
these additional inconveniences, that if the hollow between the sole 
and the leather be filled with stopping and tow, it is exceedingly 
difficult to introduce them so evenly and accurately as not to produce 
some partial or injurious pressure—that a few days' work will almost 
invariably so derange the padding as to produce partial pressure — - 
that the long contact of the sole with stopping of almost every kind, 
will produce, not a healthy, elastic horn, but horn of a scaley, spongy 
nature — and that if the hollow be not thus filled, gravel and dirt will 
insinuate themselves, and cause unequal pressure, and eat into and 
injure the foot. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 235 



CHAPTER XIV. 

ANNALS OF THE TURF. 

In this chapter we have presented as correct an account of some 
of the most celebrated blood horses, imported and raised in this coun- 
try, as we had the means to do. The materials constituting the 
Annals as given here, were principally taken from the American 
Farmer, and American Turf Register; and should have been con- 
siderably enlarged if the compiler would have had access to other 
sources than those furnished him by the publisher. 

Annals of the Turf.— The transcendent consequence of the horse 
to man in every possible stage of human existence, has been the in- 
variable theme of writers on the subject from the earliest records of 
time. Indeed it is impossible to conceive any other, out of the vast 
variety of animals destined by nature to human use, which can with 
the least prospect of success, dispute with the favorite horse the palm 
of his master's predilection and attachment. It is an attachment of 
a truly rational nature, and to a most worthy object. The very idea 
of being supported at ease by an auxilliary and borrowed animal 
power, and of being safely borne from place to place, at will, with a 
pleasant and gentle motion, or with the rapidity of lightning, must 
have impressed the mind of the first discoverers of the mighty 
benefits of the horse, with ineffable delight. Such sentiments and 
feelings respecting this noble animal have been constantly entertained 
and handed down to us from the earliest ages. 

The general beauty, the harmony of proportion, the stateliness and 
delicacy of the superior species of this paragon of brute animals, 
could not fail of inspiring admiration in the breasts even of savage 
and untutored men. Time and the improving faculties of man grad- 
ually developed the various uses and qualifications of the horse. 
Endowed by nature with a portion of intellect, with a generous plia- 
bility of disposition and fortitude of heart, with vast and energetic 
bodily powers, he was found capable of bearing a sort of social part 
in all the pleasures and labors of man. He was associated with his 
master in the pleasures of the journey and the chase; he shares wil- 
lingly and with ardor in the dangers of the martial field ; and with a 
steady prowess partook in the humble labors of cultivating the soil 
for mutual subsistence. By the most illustrious nations of either 
ancient or modern times, the horse has ever been esteemed of the 
highest worth and consequence, and treated with a distinction and 
attendance befitting his rank as the first of domestic animals, approxi- 
mating in society and service to human nature. Tt is among the most 
savage and debased tribes of men only, that the breed, condition, and 
comforts of this noble animal have been neglected. 

This quotation from a very splendid English work on the blood 
horse, is no less just in sentiment than beautiful in language. It is 
proposed to treat of the value of the blood horse to our common 
stocks, and of the various uses to which his conformation adapts him. 



THE FARMER^ COMPLETE FARRIER. 

It has at every period been fashionable with a certain class of moral- 
ists, who were more rigid than correct, to decry the sports of the turf ; 
and, further, to contend that the breed of horses having received all 
the improvement of which it is susceptible, from the blood horse, 
the further propagation of the latter is useless; they would further 
have horse racing abolished, and the horses applied generally as stal- 
lions. But the use which these sort of reasoners would propose to 
derive from the racing breed, would soon destroy itself. They do 
not consider that in racing the necessity for thorough blood, is obvi- 
ous and imperative, and such is a sure ground of its preservation. 

Were the sports of the turf to be abandoned, that unerring test, by 
which to ascertain the purity of the blood, and the other requisite 
qualities of the race horse, would be lost, and consequently, that glo- 
rious and matchless species, the thorough-bred courser, would in no 
great length of time, become extinct among us — and with him all his 
noble and valuable properties, and his place be supplied by a gross, ill- 
shaped, or spider-legged mongrel, which would insure the degenera- 
tion of the whole race. I would ask, is not a cross of the blood 
horse upon the common stock indispensable to insure us light footed 
and quick moving saddle horses? Where do we go for the parade 
or cavalry horse if it is not the blooded stock, or to those highly im- 
bued with that blood! Did not the speed and wind of the cavalry 
horses of Colonels Lee and Washington, during the revolutionary 
war, give those commanders a decided superiority over the enemy in 
the kind of warfare they waged, where celerity of movement was all 
important? And were not those horses procured in Maryland and 
Virginia, and partook of the best racing blood of those states ? The 
value of the blood, or southern horse, from their ability to carry high 
weights, was strongly exemplified in the wars of the ancients; as 
they rode to war in heavy armor, and always selected and prefer- 
red for tins purpose their highest bred horses, which were also fre- 
quently covered, like their riders, in heavy armor. 

In former times in England, their hunters were only half bred 
horses, but later observations and experience have fully convinced 
them that only those that are thorough-bred (notwithstanding the 
popular clamor of their deficiency in bone) are adequate in speed, 
strength, and durability, to long and severe chases with fleet hounds, 
particularly over a deep country, and that they will always break 
down any horses of an opposite description that may be brought into 
the field. 

The value of the racing blood when crossed upon the common cart 
breed is also apparent in making them superior in the plough and 
wagoit, provided they have the requisite size, arising from quicker 
action and a better wind particularly in the long hot days of sum- 
mer. There is the same difference of motion between the racer and 
the common bred horse as between a coach and a cart. 

It is moreover a fact, although not generally known, that no other 
horses are capable of carrying with expedition such heavy weights; 
and were "a thirty stone plate, (four hundred and twenty pounds,) 
to be given, and the distance made fifty miles, it would be everlast- 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 237 

iegly won by the thorough-bred horse. There is only one way in 
which a bred horse would be beat at high weights ; it would be, (to 
use a queer phrase,) to make it a stand still raee ; in that case, I. 
would back a cart horse ; I think he would beat a race horse by 
hours." 

The strength of the race horse, and his ability to carry high weighty 
arise from the solidity of his bones, the close texture of his fibres, 
the bulk and substance of his tendons, and from his whole peculiar 
conformation. His superior speed and endurance originate from his 
obliquely placed shoulders, depth in the girth,- deep oval quarters, 
broad fillets, pliable sinews, and from the superior ductility and elas- 
ticity of his muscular appendages. 

It is also from the blood horse that we acquire fineness of skin and 
hair, symmetry and regularity of proportions, elegance and grandeur. 
As a proof of the latter qualities, the highest dressed horses of the 
ancient emperors are invariably of the highest cast of Arabian or 
Southern blood. 

The object of the preceding remarks was to show the impolicy of 
discouraging the sports of the turf, as being the indispensable test 
by which to try the purity of our blooded stock, and the only certain 
means of insuring its preservation ; that the thorough-bred horse was 
beyond all question, the most useful species of the whole genus, 
since he was applicable to every possible purpose of labor in which 
horses are used, either for the saddle, for war, parade, hunting, the 
road or quick draught, and even for the laborious services of the 
wagon and plough. It now only remains to make some remarks (as 
connected with the above topics) on the standing and prospects of 
future patronage which the sports of the turf have in England and 
this country. It is an undeniable fact that the high degree of im- 
provement to which the blood of stock horses in England have at- 
tained, is mainly owing to the liberal and weighty patronage which 
has invariably been extended to the sports of the turf in that country ; 
it is patronized as a national amusement by the royal favor and muni- 
ficence, and directly encouraged by the most distinguished nobility 
and gentry; by men who are ranked as her chief statesmen. The 
decline of this sport has frequently been predicted in that country, 
particularly at unfortunate periods of war and distress; but it has 
been steadily maintained for more than a century, with few or no 
fluctuations, and is at this time in a high state of prosperity. 

Never were so many thorough-bred stallions kept in England as at 
present — never was New Market, Epsom, or Doncaster, better attend- 
ed than at the late meetings. The number of blood horses annually 
exported from England is unusually great, and to her, Russia, France, 
Austria, and the United States of America, the East and West Indies, 
have beenJong indebted for their most valuable stocks. 

In Virginia the sports of the turf have been revived and are extend- 
ing over the state with great spirit, and are infusing into her citizens 
a due sense of their importance in giving value to the race horse. 
Virginia has long held a pre-eminence over every other state of the 
Union in raising fine horses — and it is mainly to be attributed to the 



passion for this fascinating and rational amusement, to the steady en- 
couragement given to it at all times, both during adverse and prosper- 
ous times, since the state had its foundation in a colony. To her the 
Carolinas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, have always looked 
for a supply of blooded stallions ; to her they still are indebted as 
well as the new states of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, &e. Let 
then Virginia maintain and increase this celebrity, by adopting all 
means which are calculated to promote so laudable a distinction. 
Let her place and extend the sports of the turf on the most liberal 
and equitable basis, and let her in order to give increased value to her 
racing stock, speedily publish a Stud Book. 

Origin and progressive improvement of the race horse. — -It can- 
not but be an interesting task to inquire into the origin of the turf 
horse, and to ascertain the means by which he has been brought to 
his present high state of perfection. The English writers maintain 
the theory, that the horse genus was supposed to have consisted ori- 
ginally of two grand divisions or species : the silken-haired, flat, and 
fine bone courser, and the full bodied, coarse, and rough haired steed, 
adapted to draught and the more laborious purposes. 

From these two original species may fairly be derived all those 
numerous varieties which we at this day witness in different parts of 
the world. Soil and climate most undoubtedly have considerable 
effects, through a long course of ages, in producing varieties of form, 
color, character, and properties. The largest horses are generally 
found to be the production of the rich low lands of the temperate cli- 
mates, abounding in rich and succulent food. The fine skinned, with 
elegant symmetry, dry and solid bones, large tendons, and the highest 
degree of muscular energy, in fact, bearing the general characteristics 
of the blood horse, are bred under warm and southern skies, upon a 
dry soil, on the hills of the desert. The hypothesis is entertained, 
that Arabia is the native or breeding country of the courser, and that 
part of Europe, formerly denominated the Netherlands, or Low 
Countries, the original soil of the large draught horse. Other writers, 
however, contend, that all horses are derived from the same single 
primitive species, and that varieties are purely accidental, and the 
effects of varying soil and climate. This opinion, however specious, 
is not sanctioned by facts and experience in allowing full force to the 
arguments derived from the effect of soil and climate, yet it is equally 
true there are certain landmarks and boundaries of specific character, 
in both the animal and vegetable creation, which nature will never 
permit to be passed. 

No length of time or naturalization upon the marshy soil of Bel- 
gium, it may safely be pronounced, would be sufficient to transform 
the highbred, silken and bounding courser of Arabia, into the coarse, 
bluff and fixed horse of the former country ; nor would the sojourn- 
ment of the latter, during any number of ages, in the south, have the 
effect of endowing him with these peculiar properties of body, which 
distinguish the aboriginal southern horse. The interchange just sup- 
posed, would no doubt have the effect of increasing the bulk of the 
courser and reducing that of the draught horse ; but the natural charac- 



the farmer's complete tarrxer. 239 

'teristics of each, would remain unassailable by any other medium 
than that of intercopulation through which we know from experience 
they may be merged, and in effect annihilated. 

Arabia Deserta is allowed to be the breeding country of the purest 
and highest bred racers; that is to say, possessed in the highest de- 
gree of those qualities which distinguish the species; and these are 
sleekness and flexibility of the skin, and general symmetry from the 
head to the lowest extremities. The eye, full and shining; the head 
joined, not abruptly, but to a curved extremity of the neck ; the 
shoulders capacious, deep or counter, and declining considerably into 
the waist; the quarters deep, and the fore-arms and thighs long, large, 
and muscular, with a considerable curve of the latter ; the legs flat 
and clean, with the tendon or sinew large and distinct; the pasterns 
moderately long; the feet somewhat deep; the substance Of the "hoof 
fine, like that of the deer; in size not large, -seldom exceeding or 
Teaching the height of fifteen hands. 

It is in the mountainous country, among the Bedouin Arabs, that 
the blood and characteristic properties of this species of the horse, 
has been preserved pure and uncontaminated by any alien mixture 
or cross, as they pretend, for more than two thousand years. 

It is well known that the English race horse was originally bred 
from the Arabian, Barb, and Turkish stocks, and contains in his 
veins nearly an equal admixture of the blood of each. The Barbary 
horses were generally smaller than the Arabians, but carried more 
depth of carcass. Their most prominent points are, ears handsome 
and well plaeed ; fore-hand fine and long, and rising boldly out of 
the withers; mane and tail thinly haired; with lean small head; 
withers, fine and high; loins, short and straight; flanks and ribs, 
round and full; with good sized barrel; tail, placed high; haunches, 
strong and elastic; thighs, well turned; legs, clean; sinews, detached 
from the shank; pastern, too long and binding; foot, good and sound; 
of all colors; but grey the most common. They are bred upon a 
similar soil, and sprung from the desert, like the Arabians, of which 
they are generally deemed a variety. In goodness of temper and do- 
cility, these horses resemble the former, and are said to be very sure 
footed ; generally cold tempered and slow, requiring to be roused and 
animated, on which they will discover great vigor, wind and speed, 
being in their gallop great striders. 

The Turkish horses resembled the Barbs, and were said to be 
handsome, elegantly formed, full of spirit, possessing fine hair, soft 
skins, good speed, but more particularly remarkable for their unfailing 
wind, enabling them to undergo much labor and fatigue. 

It is a curious physical question, that the Arabian, Barb and Turk- 
ish horses, should, only in particular individuals, have proved valuable 
foal getters, and that these properties should be denied to the gener- 
ality of them, and that the whole of them should so soon be laid 
aside. Out of the vast number of these foreign horses, imported into 
England in early times, but very few of them established their char- 
acters as the propagators of high formed racers; and it may be as- 
sumed as a fact, that for some more than half a century past, not a 



&40 THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIEB*. 

solitary Arabian, Barb, or Turkish stallion has been used in England f 
or if used at all, were found to be utterly worthless. 

England soon discovered that from her fine climate and soil, she 
had obtained in size,, form and speed, every quality which the best 
models of the original foreign breeding countries could afford to her;. 
it is true she had to resort to the Arabians and Barbs for a foundation,. 
But as soon as the stock arising, from^them had been sufficiently accli- 
mated and diffused through the country, she found it safest to rely 
upon them for all those qualities which they themselves had acquired, 
from their foreign progenitors ,. 

The early English breeders found the Arabian stock, to constitute 
an excellent cross upon the Barb and Turk, as from the Arabian 
blood was acquired speed ; stoutness and stride from the Barb ; length, 
and height from the Turk. 

But of all the foreign stallions imported into England, in early 
times, the fame of the two great Arabians, the Darley and Godolphin.,, 
has swallowed up that of all the rest; and the best English horses 
for nearly a century past, have been either deeply imbued in their 
blood, or entirely derived from it. They have produced stock of' 
vast size, bone and substance, and at the same time endowed with* 
such extraordinary, and before unheard of, powers of speed and con- 
tinuance, as to render it probable that individuals of them have reached* 
nature's ultimate point of perfection. The descendants of these Ara-^ 
bians have rendered the English courser superior to all the others, not 
only in the race, where indeed he has long excelled, but as a breeding 
stock. 

To such of ray readers who are unacquainted with the history of 
that justly celebrated horse, the Godolphin Arabian, the following, 
particulars of him may not be unacceptable : He was, in color, a. 
brown bay, somewhat mottled on the buttocks and crest, but with no 
white, excepting the off heel behind; about fifteen hands high, with 
good bone and substance. The fame of the Godolphin Arabian was 
greatly increased by the famous picture which was taken of him by 
the immortal Stubs, and which sold at his sale^ for two hundred 
and forty-six guineas. This portrait of the Godolphin is doubtless 
an admirable piece. It represents his crest as exceedingly large, 
swelling and elevated; his neck, elegantly curved at the sitting on of 
the head; and his muzzle, very fine. He had considerable length;, 
his capacious shoulders were in the true declining position, and of 
every part materially contributary to action, nature had allowed him. 
an ample measure: added to this, there is in his whole appearance* 
the express image of a wild animal, such as we may suppose the. 
horse of the desert. Certainly the horse was no beauty, but with 
his peculiar and interesting figure before me, I cannot help wonder- 
ing, that it should not occur to his noble proprietor, a true sportsman 
as he was, that the Arabian might be worthy of a trial as a stallion.. 
This horse was imported by Mr. Coke, into England, and it was 
strongly suspected that he was stolen, as no pedigree was obtained 
with him, or the least item given, as to the country where he was 
hred; the only notice given, was,, that he. was foaLed in 17&4. Mr*. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 241 

Coke gave him to Mr. Williams, keeper of the St. James Coffee 
House, who presented him to the Earl of Godolphin. In this noble 
lord's stud he was kept as a teazer to Hobgoblin, during the years 
1730 and 1731, when that stallion, refusing to cover Roxana, she was 
covered by the Arabian, the produce of which was Lath, not only a 
very elegant and beautiful horse, but, in the general opinion, the best 
which had appeared on the turf since Flying Childers. The Arabian 
served for the remainder of his life in the same stud, producing a 
yearly succession of prodigies of the species. He died in the year 
1753, in his twenty-ninth year, and was decently buried, and cakes 
and ale were given at the funeral of his flesh. The following famous 
horses, some of which were of great size and powers, besides many 
others, with a great number of capital racing and brood mares, de- 
scended from the Godolphin Arabian, viz: Lath, Cade, Regulus, 
Babram, Blank, Dismal, Bajazet, Tamerlane, Tarquin, Phoenix, Slug,. 
Blossom, Dormouse, Skewball, Sultan, Old England, Noble, the 
Gower Stallion, Godolphin Colt, Cripple, Entrance. 

Mr. Darley, of a sporting family in Yorkshire, being a mercantile 
agent in the Levant, and belonging to a hunting club at Aleppo, made 
interest to purchase a horse, one of the most valuable ever imported 
into England, and which fully established the worth of the Arabian 
stock. He was a bay horse, his near foot before, with his two hind 
feet white ; with a blaze in his face, and about fifteen hands high ; 
he was imported into England in the year 1703, then four years old. 

The Darley Arabian, (for such he was called,) got Flying Childers, 
Bartlett's Childers, Almanzor, Whitelegs, Cupid, Brisk, Daedalus, 
Skipjack, Manika, Aleppo, Bully Rock, Whistlejacket, &c. This 
horse had not that variety of mares which annually poured in upon 
the Godolphin Arabian; indeed, he covered very few, except those of 
Mr. Darley, his proprietor — but from these sprung the largest and 
speediest race horses which w r ere ever known. Flying Childers and 
Eclipse, the swiftest, beyond a doubt, of all quadrupeds, were the 
son and great-grand-son of this Arabian, from which, also, through 
Childers and Blaze, descended Sampson, the strongest horse that ever 
raced before or since his time ; and from Sampson was descended Bay 
Mai ton, who ran at York four miles in seven minutes forty-three and 
a-half seconds, being seven and a-half seconds less than it was ever 
done before over the same course. 

On crossing, breeding and rearing the Turf horse. — The subject 
of crossing is one of the most important which has ever engaged the 
attention of the breeder or amateur, and it is still left in doubt whether 
we ought to adhere to remote crossing in propagating the race horse, 
or that we may successively breed "in and in," viz: putting horses 
and mares together of the same family. 

All that we can do is to disclose the facts which that unerring guide, 
experience, has established, and the exceptions to the rule which 
those facts have pointed out to us. Crossing, or intermixing the 
blood of different racing breeds, has ever prevailed upon the turf, and 
experience has proven it to be a rational practice, when adopted with 
the view of an interchange of the requisite qualifications, external or 



242 the farmer's complete farrier. 

internal; such as the union of speed and bottom, slenderness and 
substance, short and long shapes. 

Experience tells us that the greatest success has ever attended those 
breeders, and that the most valuable stock has resulted therefrom, 
who have adhered to remote crosses. The finest running, and high- 
est formed horses that have appeared in England, were bred from 
the union of two distinct stocks, the Herod and Eclipse. The 
former stock was invariably remarkable for stoutness and lastingness ; 
the latter, for speed; and by the union of these opposite qualities, 
(whereby a remote cross was taken up,) a stock was obtained in 
which was blended a sufficiency of the requisite qualities of both to 
make firstrate running horses. There was another distinct stock in 
England, which crossed well upon the Herod and Eclipse branches; 
I allude to the Matchem or Godolphin Arabian stock; and it may 
here be remarked, that there has not been in England, a firstrate run- 
ning horse on the turf, for the last seventy years, without more or less 
blood of this valuable horse. However necessary a remote cross 
may be considered, yet exceptions have arisen to it as a rule, as some 
of the most celebrated horses in England were bred considerably in and 
In — Flying Childers, for instance, considered the fleetest horse in the 
world. Old Fox, also a celebrated racer and valuable stallion, had an 
affinity of blood in his pedigree, as well as other high formed racers 
and stallions. But these exceptions arose in Great Britain, in her 
earliest days of breeding, when that country was enriched by the im- 
portation of particular Barb, Turk, and Arabian horses, that had pecu- 
liar and extraordinary properties as stock getters, as their immediate 
descendants constituted the best racers of those days, and demon- 
strated that the character of the English race horse had attained its 
utmost perfection at that early date. 

At a later period, but little success had attended the efforts of those 
who have bred in and in. The Earl of Egremont has occasionally 
tried it, as well as Lord Derby, (the owner of Sir Peter Teazle,) but 
with little encouragement Still, the British writers are divided on 
the subject. Morland, in his treatise on the genealogy of the English 
blood horse, expressly says, that incestuous crosses should be avoided, 
viz: putting horses and mares together of the same class; while, on 
the other hand, Lawrence, in his splendid work on the "History and 
delineation of the Race Horse," makes the following remark of an 
opposite tendency: "An adherence to the practice (of remote cross- 
ing) cannot be held indispensably necessary on any sound theory; 
nor need any disadvantage be apprehended from coupling horses and 
mares of the same breed or family, even the nearest relative, upon 
the principles above and hereafter laid down- I have often heard of, 
and indeed seen, miserable legged and spindled stock resulting from 
such a course, but other very visible causes existed for the result. 

"According to the adage, "like produces like," we ought to follow 
form and qualification; and if a brother and sister, or father and 
daughter excel in those respects, all others within our reach, we 
ought to enjoin them with good expectations, for aught I know, to the 
end of the chapter : and the prejudiced fear of adopting this practice, 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 



243 



has often led our breeders into the error of adopting an inferior form, 
from the presumed necessity of a cross." The present remarks are 
peculiarly applicable to the breeders of the race horse in Virginia, for 
they are at this very time making the experiment of breeding "in and 
in," or from the same family of horses, as it is well known that all 
the turf horses now, and for the last ten years past, produced in that 
state, are of the "Sir Archy stock." It were to be wished that there 
was a greater variety of the race blood in that state, to give breeders 
a wider field for selection ; a descendant of Medley or Citizen, would 
cross well upon the present numerous stock of Sir Archy, and it 
would perhaps have been a fortunate circumstance, could the celebra- 
ted horse Pocolet, (who was bred and raised in Virginia,) have been 
retained in that state. 

The subject of breeding is the next which claims our attention. 

The business of breeding is divided into the systematic and chance 
medley ; the formation of regular studs and observing some fixed 
principles, characterize the former ; while the latter is a kind of ran- 
dom affair, common to the whole country where foals are raised for 
a man's pleasure or convenience, for which no extra preparations are 
made, or much reflection bestowed, further than to make use of any 
mare that may chance to be in possession, and of any horse which 
the vicinity affords or custom may present. 

In the formation of studs, the object generally had in view is breed- 
ing for the turf, and one of the first principles is to breed from no 
stallions unless they be thorough-bred ; in plain terms, both their sires 
and dams must be of the purest of the Turkish, Barb or Arabian 
coursers exclusively, and this must be tested in an authentic pedigree, 
throughout whatever number of descents or crosses.* The brood 
mare should be equally pure or thorough-bred, and particular atten- 
tion should be paid to her form, as one of the prime causes of failure 
of most breeders is confining their attention solely to the horse, with- 
out paying sufficient attention to the form of the mare, and permitting 
fashionable blood and the supposed necessity of a cross to have too 
decided a preference to correctness of shape. To constitute a tho- 
rough-bred animal, and to assure the attainment of every desired 
quality of perfection, both the male and female ought to possess it. 
Experience has proven the correctness of the principle that "like 
produces like ;" acting upon this principle, we have the best assu- 
rances to expect success from a junction of the best shapes or the 
greater number of good points we can combine, both in the horse 
and the mare. From such junction the average will be favorable; true 
form will result from the union of true form in both sire and dam ; 
and the next general result will be, that every horse sufficiently well 
formed, and furnished in the material points, will excel either in speed 
or continuance, or will possess an advantageous mixture of both. 

*There is a practice in Virginia and North Carolina, in giving the pedigree of a 
stallion, to name only one or two crosses, particularly on the dam's side, and then 
pronounce him " the finest hred horse in the world." Who can pronounce on a 
horse's good or had blood unless we know the whole of it] He may trace to the 
common dray breed of the country for aught we know. 



244 

Blood is blood, but form is superiority. 

In the rearing of turf horses, the following principles are recom- 
mended by the most successful breeders ; the land to be dry and 
sound, the harder the better, provided it be fertile ; irregularity of sur- 
face a recommendation. Fresh springs or streams, shade and shelter, 
and extensive range. Sufficient number of inclosures, both for each 
species, which it is necessary to keep apart, and to prevent too great 
a number of any being crowded together. Houses or sheds in the 
inclosures ; soft and sweet herbage for the colts and milk mares ; and 
finally a very liberal allowance of land in proportion to the stock, that 
there may be not only ample grazing in the grass season, but an 
equally ample quantity of provisions of the requisite kind during the 
winter. 

A firm, dry, and hard soil, will have a corresponding effect upon 
the feet, limbs, and tendinous system of horses bred upon it ; as will 
a dry, clear and elastic air upon their wind, animal spirits and gene- 
ral habit. Such are the advantages enjoyed by the horses of the 
mountain and the desert; but these advantages are greatly enhanced 
in a country where abundant herbage and moderate temperature are 
superadded. 

All breeders concur in the propriety of keeping colts well the first 
and second winters ; for colts, from the best shaped parents, will de- 
generate upon insufficient nourishment, and be stinted, from the pal- 
sying effects of damp and cold in the winter, if a comfortable and 
general shelter is not allowed them. Good keeping and warmth, 
during the first and second years, is indispensable, in order to invigo- 
rate the circulation of the animal's blood, to expand his frame, to 
plump up and enlarge his muscles, to entourage the growth of his 
bones, and to impart to them that solidity and strength which pre- 
serves them in the right line of symmetry. 

It must be interesting to the amateur, the sportsman, and the breed- 
er, to give a correct, though concise account of the most distinguished, 
turf stock of blood horses, which existed in Virginia between the 
years 1750 and 1790, a period more remarkable for fine horses, than 
perhaps any other, either prior or subsequent to that time. 

It was during this period that "races were established almost at 
every town and considerable place in Virginia ; when the inhabitants, 
almost to a man, were devoted to this fascinating and rational amuse- 
ment; when all ranks and denominations were fond of horses, espe- 
cially those of the race breed ; when gentlemen of fortune expended 
large sums on their stud, sparing no pains or trouble in importing the 
best stock, and improving the breed by judicious crossing." The 
effects of the revolutionary war put a stop to the spirit of racing until 
about the year 1790, when it began to revive, and under the most 
promising auspices as regarded the breed of turf horses, for just at 
that time or a little previous, the capital stallion Old Medley was im- 
ported, who contributed his full share to the reputation of the racing 
stock, whose value had been before so well established. Previous to 
the year 1800, but little degeneracy had taken place either in the 



the farmer's COMPLETE FARRIER. 245 

purity of the blood, the form or performances of the Virginia race 
horse; and in searching for the causes of a change for the worse, 
after this period, the most prominent one was the injudicious importa- 
tion of inferior stallions from England. About the period of time 
last mentioned, Colonel Hoomes and many others, availing themselves 
of the passion for racing, inundated Virginia with imported stallions, 
bought up frequently at low prices in England, having little reputation 
there, and of less approved blood, thereby greatly contaminating the 
tried and approved stocks which had long and eminently distinguish- 
ed themselves for their feats on the turf, their services under the sad- 
dle, and as valuable cavalry horses during the revolutionary war. In 
recommending renewed efforts to the Virginians, for the further im- 
provement and preservation of their stock of blood horses, the neces- 
sity and importance of the immediate publication of a Stud Book 
(and of a Racing Calendar hereafter,) cannot be overlooked. 

It is the wish of the writer, that the tendency of this, and the fol- 
lowing pages, may excite a spirit and a desire for such a work, by 
showing that there are valuable materials extant, only requiring dili- 
gence and zeal to bring them to light, capable of being made up into 
a valuable publication on this subject. The want of such a work as 
a Stud Book, is now lamentably seen and felt in Virginia, where few 
pedigrees of any particular stock can be traced far back, before they 
are lost in the mazes of uncertainty and conjecture. It may safely 
he asserted that the stock of horses in Virginia never can arrive to 
that degree of improvement and perfection, and more particularly high 
value as to price, they otherwise would do, unless a record of this 
kind is published and preserved, to be resorted to for a correct know- 
ledge of their blood. In breeding for the turf and selling turf horses, 
blood is every thing; as it has been found that particular strains or 
pedigrees of horses of this class, are remarkable for their speed and 
bottom, while others are miserably defective in these essential quali- 
ties of the race horse. A Stud Book and Racing Calendar will be a 
standing record, always enabling us to avoid the bad, and to cherish 
those particular strains of horses, that have established their good 
qualities for the turf. How has Virginia been injured in her racing 
stock by some particular stallions, bred in that State ? Potomac, for 
instance, who, although they raced it well, yet being badly bred, 
propagated an inferior race of horses. 

Let me, therefore, emphatically remind the breeder of the race 
horse to use great particularity and caution as to the stallions from 
which he breeds; examine well into their pedigrees, and to the quali- 
ties of the stock from which they are descended; as an experience of 
more than a century in England has proven the fact, that where a 
stallion has been stained with an inferior or " dunghill" cross, how- 
ever remote in his pedigree, it is certain to lurk out and exhibit itself 
in his progeny, no matter how well he may have raced it himself. 

We should breed back as much as possible upon the good old 
stocks of Jolly Roger, Janus, Morton's Traveller, Fearnought, and 
Medley, of which I propose to give a particular account in the suc- 
ceeding pages. It has been well for us that the importation of stal- 



246 

lions from England has long since ceased, and I hope never to see it 
revived again. The sod of the Beacon course (four miles and up- 
wards) is now too little trod by the English race horse ; short races 
with light weights are now too common; the consequences are, that 
their stock of blood horses are rapidly losing that stamina and inhe- 
rent goodness of constitution or stoutness, which enabled them in 
former days to carry high weights, and to support frequent and hard 
running. Fifteen or twenty years ago, the Virginians bred altogether 
from imported English stallions, and at that time also, there were 
more sportsmen on the turf; yet we have at this day better race horses, 
under less patronage, from American bred stallions, than at that day. 
Does not this prove that by adhering to our own stock, and breeding 
from large highly formed, full blooded stallions, that our turf horses 
will soon equal or exceed any in the world? and as our race stock is 
considered stronger and more active, it will be found advisable to 
breed them for the saddle, plough or wagon. 

Jolly Roger, was the first horse that gave distinction to the racing 
stock of Virginia. His performances on the English turf, and that 
of his pedigree, are recorded in the name of " Roger of the Vale." 
After he was imported into this country he took the name by which 
he is now known ; he was foaled in 1741, and commenced covering in 
Virginia about the year 1748. He was got by Roundhead, who was 

E Flying Childers, who was by the Darley Arabian. The dam of 
mndhead was the famous "plate" mare Roxana by the Bald Gal- 
vay, the dam of the celebrated racers and stallions Lath and Cade 
by the Godolphin Arabian. The dam of Jolly Roger was got by 
Mr. Croft's famous horse Partner, the best racer and stallion of his 
day, his granclam by Woodcock — -Croft's Bay Barb; Makeless; 
Brimmer; Son of Dodsworth ; Burton Barb mare. 

Jolly Roger got many fine racers, stallions and brood mares, and 
is a favorite cross in the pedigree of the Virginia bred turf horse, and 
very jusly too. 

Jolly Roger got Spanking Roger, out of the imported mare Jenny 
Dismal, and Longsdale out of an imported Monkey mare. 

Janus was a chesnut horse, foaled in England in 1746, and got by 
Janus, a bay horse foaled in 1738, full brother to Blank and Old 
England, being got by the Godolphin Arabian out of the famous 
"Little Hartley mare" by Bartlett's Childers, son of the Darley 
Arabian. 

Janus was imported into Virginia by Mr. Mordecai Booth, of 
Gloucester county, Va., in the year 1752 ; his dam was got by old 
Fox, (whose name stood eminent in the English pedigree,) his grand- 
dam by the Bald Galloway. 

Although Janus partook of every cross in his pedigree calculated 
for the distance turf horse, yet his stock were more remarkable for 
speed than bottom. Janus, from his shoulders back, was considered 
the most perfect formed horse ever seen in Virginia, by the most 
skilful connoisseurs ; he was remarkable for roundness of contour, 
strength of articulation, and indicating great powers and stamina in 
his whole conformation. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 241 

His stock partook of these qualities in an eminent degree, and for 
thirty or forty years they were considered as a "peculiar stock," as 
they invariably exhibited even in the third and fourth generations 
from the old horse, the same compactness of form, strength and pow- 
er. The Janus stock have exceeded all others in the United States 
for speed, durability and general uniformity of good form ; and more 
good saddle and harness horses have sprung from them than from any 
other stock. 

Celer was justly considered as the best son of old Janus, as he 
propagated a stock equal in every quality to those of the stock begot- 
ten by his sire. He was bred by Mr. Mead of Virginia, and foaled 
in 1774, and died in 1802, aged twenty-eight years. 

As the pedigree on his dam's side is not generally known, I will 
here give it. The dam of Celer was got by the imported horse Aris- 
totle, a brown bay, finely formed, full fifteen hands high, bred by 
Mr. Bladen and got by the Cullen Arabian, his dam by Crab, his- 
grandam by Hobgoblin, great grandam by the Godolphin Arabian;, 
out of a famous mare called White Cheeks. 

Morton's imported horse Traveller, contributed in an eminent de- 
gree to the improvement of the turf stock of horses in Virginia. He 
was a bay horse, foaled about the year 1748, and was a covering 
stallion at Richmond court house, Virginia, as early as the year 1754. 
He was bred by Mr. Crofts, at Raby in Yorkshire, (who was the for- 
tunate breeder and owner of some of the first horses in England,) 
and was got by his famous horse Partner, who was a grandson of the 
Byerly Turk, and was himself the grandsire of King Herod, The 
dam of Traveller, was by Bloody Buttocks (an Arabian) Greyhound j 
Makeless ; Brimmer; Place's White Turk; Dodsworth; Layton 
Barb mare. Morton's Traveller was bred from the best running stock 
in England in that day : the famous Wetherington mare was full 
sister to Traveller ; she bred Shepherd's Crab and other capital racers. 

Morton's Traveller got Tryall and Yorick out of Blazella, import- 
ed, and Burwell's Traveller out of a Janus and Lycurgus ; also 
Lloyd's Traveller out of a Jenny Cameron, and Tristam Shandy out 
of a Janus, Ariel full brother to Partner, and Partner out of Colonel 
Tasker's imported mare Selima. 

Partner was the best son of Morton's Traveller, proving to be not 
only a fine race horse, but a valuable stallion. He was foaled about 
the year 1755. Partner got Rockingham out of Nelson's imported 
mare Blossom, and Fitz Partner out of the dam of Celer and the 
celebrated horse Mark Anthony. 

Mark Anthony's dam was by Othello, (a son of Mr. Parton's capi- 
tal English horse Crab,) his grandam the imported mare Moll Bra- 
zons; she was sired by Spark, who was imported to this country by 
Governor Ogle, of Maryland, and was given to him by Lord Balti- 
more, who received him from Frederick, Prince of Wales. 

Mark Anthony was foaled about the year 1763, and did not exceed 
fifteen hands in height, and was a horse of beauty and intrinsic value, 
whether viewed as a racer or stallion. In the former character he 
was not excelled by any horse of his day, being " remarkable for his 



£48 

swiftness," having at the same time good wind, enabling him to Vim 
four mile heats in good form. In the latter character he stood de- 
servedly celebrated, and propagated a stock which were held in the 
highest estimation for their various valuable qualities, whether for the 
turf, the saddle or the harness. Mark Anthony got Collector out of 
a Centinel, and Monarch out of a thorough-bred mare, and Romulus 
out of a Valiant. 

Yorick got Pilgrim out of a little Davie, and Bucephalus out of a 
"Careless, and Junius out of an Othello. 

Burvvell's Traveller got Southall's Traveller out of an imported 
mare, and Camilius out of a Fearnought mare. 

Lloyd's Traveller got Leonidas out of a Morton's Traveller mare. 
Junius gotSpangloss out of a Jolly Roger mare. 

Fearnought holds the first claim prior to the day of Medley, and 
is therefore entitled to the palm in preference to any stallion that had 
preceded him in giving the Virginia turf stock a standing equal to 
that of any running stock in the world. The blood which flowed in 
the veins of old Fearnought must have been peculiarly rich in those 
qualities that make up the conformation of the race horse, as not only 
the whole stock got by Fearnought run well, but also his sons and 
his grandsons were remarkable for generally getting good running 
stock. There was also strength and stamina universally pervading 
the Fearnought stock, to which may be added good size, that made 
them the best distance horses of their day. The fact is, that the 
Fearnoughts run well all distances, and the old horse stood higher 
than any other horse on the continent for getting racers ; and he got 
more of them than any other — he also was the sire of more fine stal- 
lions than any other horse of his day. 

Old Fearnought was bred by William Warren of England, and 
foaled in the year 1755. He came out of Mr. Warren^s fine brood 
mare Silvertail, and was got by Regulus the best son of the Godol- 
phin Arabian. Regulus, when six years old, won eight King's plates. 
He never was beat, being very superior to any horse of his day. 

Silvertail, the dam of Fearnought, was foaled in 1738, and got by 
Heneage's Whitenose; her dam by Rattle ; Darley's Arabian; the 
old Child mare, got by Sir Thomas Gresley's bay Arabian out of Mr. 
Cook's Vixen, who was got by the Helmsly Turk, out of a Royal 
Barb mare. 

Fearnought was imported into this country by Colonel John Bay- 
lor, who advertised him in the year 1765, as "a bright bay, fifteen 
hands three inches high, remarkably strong and active, and the full 
brother to the late Mr. Warren's invincible horse Careless." Old 
Fearnought died in the fall of 1776. at the age. of twenty-one years. 
Among other capital stallions and racers, he got the following, viz : 

Nonpareil, out of a Janus mare. 

Nimrod, out of a Partner. 

America, out of a Jolly Roger. 

Regulus, out of the imported mare Jenny Dismal. 

Godolphin, full brother to Regulus. 

Shakspeare, out of an imported Cub mare. 



t«e farmer's complete earrier. 249 

Gallant, out of a Stateley mare. 

Shakspeare, out of an imported Shakspeare mare. 

Apollo, out of an imported Cullen Arabian mare. 

Harris's Eclipse, out of Baylor's imported Shakspeare mare. 

Laurel, out of a Fearnought. 

Matchless, out of Sober John. 

King Herod, out of an Othello. 

Whynot, out of an Othello. 

Dandridge's Fearnought, out of 

Symmes' Wildair, out of a Jolly Roger, who proved to be the best 
son of old Fearnought. 
Wildair got — 

Commutation, out of a Yorick mare. 

Highflyer, out of a Yorick mare. 

Chanticleer, out of a Pantaloon mare. 
Chanticleer, the best son of Wildair, got — 

Magog, out of a Wildair. 

Prestley, (full sister to Magog,) the dam of Wilkes' Madison, 

Cornelia, the dam of Mr. Randolph's Gracchus. 

The stock of old Medley may justly be ranked as among the most 
remarkable and valuable that have ever signalized themselves on a 
Virginia race course. This stock of horses lacked nothing but size 
to have made the best racers in the world ; and yet their want of 
size was not manifested on the turf: as their ability to carry weight ex- 
ceeded any other stock ; they were also more remarkable for good 
wind or bottom, for fine limbs and good eyes, than any other race of 
horses that have been bred in Virginia. These qualities resulted in this 
stock, (and were more peculiar to them than to any other,) from the 
close proximity of the points of the hips to the shoulder, from the 
uncommon solidity of their bones, the close texture of their sinews, 
and the bulk and substance of their tendons, which always enabled 
them to carry the highest weights, and to endure the greatest stress 
on their bodily powers. To these qualities may be added their un- 
common purity of blood, derived from their sire old Medley, who 
was one of the purest blooded horses ever bred in England. 

Gimcrack, the sire of Medley, was one of the most remarkable 
horses of his day in England. He was a grey, and called the "little 
grey horse Gimcrack," foaled in 1760, got by Cripple, a son of the 
Godolphin Arabian. Gimcrack was one of the severest running and 
hardest bottomed horses that ever ran in England; although small, 
yet his ability to carry weight was very great, for he frequently gave 
the odds as high as twenty-eight pounds, and he continued on the 
turf until eleven years of age, thereby showing his uncommon hardi- 
ness of constitution and firmness of limbs which he richly transmit- 
ted into the veins of Medley. Gimcrack at four years old won seven 
50/. plates, four miles; also in 1765, at four miles, 50/; also one 
thousand guineas, two hundred and fifty guineas forfeit. He beat the 
Duke of Cumberland's Drone, four miles for five hundred guineas, 
giving him twenty-one pounds. 

In 1766 he was sent to France, and in 1767 returned to England, 
17 



250 THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRTEIv 

and won in that year, four 50/. plates, five miles. In 1768, two 50/1- 
plates and the silver bowl. He beat Mr. Vernon's Barber for three 
hundred guineas, giving- him twenty-eight pounds, in 1770, He 
beat Lord Rockingham's Iacho for three thousand guineas, giving him 
twenty-eight pounds ; also Lord Rockingham's Pilgrim for the whip 
and two hundred guineas, the whip equal to the guineas. Gimcrack 
was then ten years of age. Earl Grosvenor had two portraits taken 
of Gimcrack. That of Gimcrack preparing to start is reckoned ex- 
cellent of its kind. The two portraits, it is said, represent this horse 
in different shades of grey ; the iron grey of his youth, and the hoary 
white of his old age. Gimcrack had acquired such fame and celeb- 
rity that his last proprietor left him a length of time at Tattersal's 
for the inspection of the public. 

The dam of Medley was Arminda, by Snap, (full sister to Papillon* 
the dam of Sir Peter Teazle, the best in England.) Medley acquir- 
ed his beautiful symmetry and proportions from Snap, who was a 
horse of great beauty and justness of proportion, strong, vigorous, 
and muscular, and was upon an equality as a raeer, if not superior 
to any horse of his time. Medley was imported into this country by 
Malcomb Hart, in the year 1785. Among many other distinguished 
racers and stallions, Medley got the following, viz: 

Boxer, out of a Fearnought mare. 

Opernico, out of a Lindsay Arabian mare. 

Quicksilver, out of a Wildair. 

Young Medley, out of a Blue and all Black. 

Melzar, out of a Wiidair. 

Lamplighter, out of a Longsdale. 

Fitz-Medley, out of a Dandridge Fearnought mare. 

Gimcrack, out of an Ariel.. 

Bellair, out of a Yorick. 

Bellair may justly be distinguished as the best son of old Medley f 
not only as being upon an equality as a racer, but as having got more 
fine stallions, racers, and brood mares, and as being decidedly the 
best bred son of his distinguished sire. Bellair partook of the best 
blood that has been highly valued in Virginia, viz : of Morton's Trav- 
eller through Yorick, Fearnought, Partner, Mark Anthony, &c. 

Colonel Tasker's famous running mare Selima, that was the dam 
of Partner, was the great grandam of Bellair ; and I will here take 
occasion to correct an error in the pedigree of this celebrated mare, 
as it has prevailed for more than thirty years in all the published 
pedigrees which I have seen of Bellair. Colonel Tasker's Selima, 
is represented to have come out of a mare called Snap Dragon, by 
Snap ; this is a manifest error. The Godolphin Arabian, who sired 
Selima, died in 1753; Snap was foaled in 1750, and did not com- 
mence covering until six years old, hence the first Snap mares were 
not foaled till 1757, four years after the Godolphin was dead. Colo- 
nel Tasker's Selima was bred by Lord Godolphin, and came out of 
a mare by old Fox, that was the dam of Daphne, and also of the cel- 
ebrated running horse Weasel, that was the property of Lord Rock- 
ingham; the grandam of Selima by Flying Childers ; Makeless; 
TafTolet Barb ; Natural Barb mare. 



x*iE EARMER^S COMPLETE FARRIER, 251 

\ would urge upon the breeders of the Virginia Turf horse to take 
in, in their different crosses, as much of the blood of old Medley 
and Bellair as possible, to give their stock firm limbs, very much need* 
ed at this time, as the Virginia race horses of the present day train, 
off the turf too early. 

The following letter, appropriate to the present Subject, is from 
that eminent breeder and sportsman, Colonel John Tayloe, formerly 
of Mount Airy, Virginia, now of Washington City : 

"In reply to your favor, I shall be happy if any information I am 
vible to give you in regard to old Medley, and such of his stock as I 
have owned, can be of service to you. Old Medley was imported 
to this country about the year 1785, was owned by Mr. Malcomb 
Hart, and stood at Hanover Court House. He was one of the most 
beautiful horses I ever saw. I cannot at this remote period pretend 
to describe him further than he was a grey horse of the finest pro- 
portions and not more than fourteen and a-h&lf to fifteen hands high. 
I have always esteemed him one of the best horses ever imported 
into the United States, and concur with you in opinion that his stock 
is decidedly the best we have had. His colts were the best racers 
of their day, although they were generally small; but their limbs were 
remarkably fine, and they were distinguished for their ability to carry 
Weight. I owned some of the best of his colts, Bellair and Calypso 
I bred ; Grey Diomede and Quicksilver,! purchased Troin the profits 
which I realized from their successful performances on the turf. I 
have reason to hold Medley in grateful remembrance. 

"As respects Bellair, he was strong built, and rather stout; good 
«yes ; and remarkable fine bony legs ; rather above fifteen hands. I 
do not think his bottom was surpassed by any horse on record ; if 
ever he locked his antagonist, I felt certain of success. When he ran 
with Mr. Randolph's Gim crack, he was in excessive bad order, after 
a long journey, in bad weather, from Maryland. They ran three 
four mile heats, in each of which Bellair mended, and was not beat 
far. I refused five hundred guineas for him immediately after the 
race. I concur with you respecting the old Virginia stock, which 
should not be lost." 

Having given an account of Col. Tasker's imported mare "Selima, 
it may not here be improper to add that of Carter Braxton's imported 
mare, Kitty Fisher: as those two mares bred more fine stock in Vir- 
ginia, than any other imported mares brought to this country; it being 
well known to the sportsmen and breeders for the turf, that some of the 
highest formed racers and stallions bred in that state, were descended 
from those two mares. 

Kitty Fisher was a gray mare, foaled in 1755, and imported by 
Carter Braxton, in the fall of 1759. She was bought by Mr. Brax- 
ton, at New Market, England, in the spring of 1759, being then the 
property of the Marquis of Granby, and stood at the time engaged in 
a sweepstake for ^63600 for three years old fillies; but the Marquis 
being abroad with the British armies, he was allowed to withdraw 
himself from his racing engagements, and directed all his running 
stock to be sold. At the sale, she was purchased as above, and sent 



252 the farmer's complete farrier. 

over to this country. She was got by Cade, (one of the finest sons 
of the Godolphin Arabian,) her dam, by the Cullen Arabian, out of 
the famous mare, Bald Charlotte. (Bald Charlotte was a high bred 
mare, of the finest form, and winner of King's plates.) 

Kitty Fisher was trained in this country, and run, and won easily,, 
several matches. 

It is peculiarly pleasing to recur to those periods in Virginia, when 
the blooded horse held such a high place in the estimation of the 
people; when men the most distinguished for their wealth, their 
talents, or patriotism, were seen vying with each other, who should 
import the finest blood horses or mares from England, or raise 
them from those already imported. It was the object of the writer, 
in the preceding pages, to call up those periods to review, and give 
an account of the most valuable stallions and mares, from which the 
Virginia stock were bred during those times, hoping it will serve to 
animate the breeders of the present day, and stimulate them to emu- 
late their ancestors, in their zeal and success in rearing the blood 
horse. 

Justice, a chesnut horse, fifteen hands high, was bred by William 
Manby, of Gloucestershire, England, and got by Regulus, out of the 
Bolton Sweepstakes. Justice covered in Prince George county, 
Virginia, in 1761. 

Othello, a beautiful black, fifteen hands high, very strong, was got 
by Mr. Panton's Crab, in England, out of the Duke of Somerset's 
favorite brood mare. Othello covered in Virginia, on James' river, 
in 1761, and was a most capital stallion. He got Selim, and the dam 
of Mark Anthony. 

Crawford, a fine dapple gray, fifteen hands high, was bred by his 
royal highness, the Duke of Cumberland, and got by his Arabian. 
Covered in Virginia, in 1762. 

Juniper, a fine bay, fifteen hands one inch high, foaled in 1752, 
was got by Babraham, one of the best sons of the Godolphin Arabian. 
The dam of Juniper, by the Stamford Turk, &c. Juniper covered 
in Charles City, Virginia, in 1762, and was an excellent stallion. He 
is a remote cross in the Virginia pedigree. 

Ranter, a beautiful bay, fifteen hands high, foaled in 1755, imported 
into Virginia in 1762, by Wm. S. W adman. He was got by Dimple, 
a son of the Godolphin Arabian ; the dam of Ranter, by old Crab, 
Bloody Buttocks, &c. Ranter stood in Stafford county, Virginia, in 
1753, and is an old cross in our pedigrees. 

Aristotle, brown bay, fifteen hands high, got by the Cullen Arabian, 
his dam, by old Crab, &c. Aristotle was one of the finest and high- 
est formed horses imported into Virginia in his day; he propagated a 
most valuable stock for the time he lived, having died shortly after 
coming into Virginia. He stood at Berkely, Charles City county, 
in 1764. 

Bucephalus, brown bay, fifteen and a-half hands high, foaled in 
1758, was got by Sir Matthew Wetherton's horse Locust; his dam, 
by old Cade, Partner, <fec. Bucephalus was a very strong horse, and 
stood at Tappahannock, Virginia, in 1765. 



¥hE Farmer's complete farrier. 253 

David, a bay horse, fifteen hands high, well made, very active, and 
descended from the best stock in England. Stood in Virginia in 
1765. 

Dotterell, a high formed horse, fifteen and a-half hands high, a 
powerful, strong boned horse, was got by Changeling; his dam, by 
a son of Winn's Arabian, &c. Changeling was one of the finest 
horses in England, of his day. Dotterell stood in Westmoreland 
county, Virginia, in 1766. 

Merry Tom, a beautiful bay, four feet eleven inches high, was got 
by Regulus, (one of the best sons of the Godolphin Arabian,) his 
dam, by Locust, a son of Crab; his grandam, by a son of Flying 
Childers, &c. In 1762, he won two hundred guineas, sweepstakes, 
at Richmond; in 1753, he won £50 at Durham, and the noblemen 
and gentlemen's subscription at Cupar, in Scotland. Merry Tom 
stood in Prince George county, in 1767. He was the sire of the 
noted horse, Smiling Tom. 

Sterling, a fine dapple gray, foaled in 1762, was got by the Bellsize 
Arabian, (which Mr. J. Simpson offered fifteen hundred guineas for,) 
out of Mr. Simpson's Snake mare ; she was got by Snake, a son of 
the Lister Turk, out of the Duke of Cumberland's famous mare, the 
dam of Cato. Sterling traces down to the famous old mare bred by 
Mr. Crofts, at Raby, in Yorkshire, and sold to the Duke of Cleve- 
land. Sterling was a very fine horse, and became famous as a valu- 
able foal getter. He was owned by William Evans, and stood in 
Surry county, Virginia, in 1768. He did not exceed fifteen and a- 
half hands in height. 

Lath, a bay horse, fifteen hands one inch high, strong and bony, 
was got by Shepherd's Crab ; his dam by Lath, a son of the Godol- 
phin Arabian, &c. Lath was landed in this country in 1768, and 
won that year, the £50 weight for age plate, at New Market, on Long 
Island. In 1769, he won the Jockey Club purse of £100, at Phila- 
delphia, beating the then best running horses in that state and from 
Maryland. In 1770, he also won the £100 plate at the same place. 
In 1771, he won the £100 plate at New Market, and never was beat 
but once ; when he ran out of condition. Lath was descended from 
the most valuable blood in England, and contributed in an eminent 
degree to the improvement of the stock of horses of his day. 

Whirligig, was a dark bay, fifteen hands high, and was imported 
from England, in the year 1773. He was got by Lord Portmore's 
bay horse, Captain, (a son of young Cartouch,) his dam, by the De- 
vonshire Blacklegs, son of Flying Childers, &c. In April, 1769, 
when this fine horse was rising six years old, his owner received 
forfeit of one thousand guineas, from Rapid; the same year he beat 
Volunteer, for two hundred guineas. In October, 1770, he beat War- 
wickshire Wag, for one hundred guineas ; and the same year he beat 
Atrides, for one hundred guineas, <fec. Whirligig stood to mares in 
Halifax county, North Carolina, in the year 1777. 

Selim. — This beautiful and valuable stallion, was a dark bay, a 
little rising fifteen hands high, was got by Othello, (commonly called 
Black and all Black,) whose sire was old Crab. The dam of Selim 



254 THE 

was a beautiful mare of that name ? got by the Godolphin Arabian^ 
and full sister to the celebrated horse Babraham, of England. Selim< 
was a tried and approved racer, and a stallion of deserved celebrity.. 
He stood in Virginia, from the year 1770 to 1780, and propagated a 
valuable race of horses. 

A retrospect of the older stallions of Virginia, evinces the impor- 
tant fact that they did not exceed from fifteen to fifteen and a-half 
hands in height,' and yet Virginia, in those days, had a stock of 
horses equal to any in the world. They were remarkable for sub- 
stance or fine stamina. This stock of horses was the immediate 
descendants of the best Arabian, Barb, or Turkish blood which had 
been early imported into England from Oriental countries, and has 
exhibited a degeneracy as to substance or stamina, in proportion as it 
has been removed from this elder foreign blood. 

The above stallions were the descendants of Oriental stock, as well 
as Janus and Fearnought, (who were the grandsons of the Godol- 
phin Arabian.) During the days of those horses and their offsprings 
Virginia was famed for her fine saddle horses, and their weights on 
the turf was one hundred and forty-four pounds, for aged horses: 
now it is proverbial that the blood horse of Virginia rarely produces 
a fine saddle horse, nor have they a single turf horse capable of run- 
ning four miles in good time with their former weight. All their 
good races are now made by young horses carrying light weight, say 
from ninety to one hundred and three pounds. 

The same retrospect of the English stock discloses the same facts : 
Lawrence remarks, that a "retrospect seems to evince great superi- 
ority in the foreign horses of former times, many of the best English 
racers in these days, being the immediate descendants, on both sides, 
of Arabs, Barbs, or Turks, or their sires and dams. That union of 
substance and action, which was to be met with in former days, has 
been of late years still more scarce." 

As evidence of the correctness of Lawrence's opinion, it may be 
adduced that the established weights on the English turf, in former 
days were increased to one hundred and sixty-eight pounds, and it 
was during this period that their horses continued to improve both in 
substance and speed, and notwithstanding the great weight of one 
hundred and sixty-eight pounds they had to carry, they ran four miles 
from seven minutes thirty seconds, to seven minutes fifty seconds. 
From the days of Eclipse, the weights were gradually reduced, and 
have been brought down to one hundred and nineteen pounds, and on 
no track exceeding one hundred and thirty-three pounds. Yet there 
is not a racer now in England, able to run his distance in as good 
time as they were in former days, with their high weights. 

The present rage for breeding horses to a great height should not 
be so much attended to as obtaining the requisite substance, and from 
the above list we see that from fifteen to fifteen and a-half hands in 
height, has combined with it that necessary union *of substance and 
action, which enabled the horses in former times, to run in such fine 
form, and carry such high weights. The most obvious way to insure 
this desirable substance or stamina in our stock, is to increase the 



255 

weights of the turf to the old standard, and not to permit colts to start 
in public until four years old. The great superiority of the elder 
English race horses is, in part, to be attributed to the favorable cir- 
cumstance of their not having started in public until five or six years 
old. This delay has the obvious favorable effect of enabling the 
bulk and substance of their limbs and inferior joints to become strong 
in proportion to their weight, and their whole tendinous system con- 
solidated and firm. Flying Childers, Bay Bolton, Brocklesby, Betty, 
Bonny Black, Buckhunter, the famous Carlisle gelding, Eclipse, and 
a great number of others, did not race in public until five and six 
years old; and they were racers of the highest eminence, for per- 
formance and heavy weight, of any on record in the English annals 
of the turf. 

The first step towards an American Stud Book, or collecting an 
account of our blood horses, is to ascertain the number of stallions 
imported from England, with their pedigrees annexed, because it is 
to the importation of horses and mares from that kingdom, that we 
are indebted not only for the foundation of our stock of turf horses, 
but for their present value. There is not a pedigree of a single blood 
horse or mare in this country, but what goes, in every cross, directly 
or remotely back to English stock. 



CHAPTER XV. 
AMERICAN STUD BOOK, 

ABRIDGED AS SUGGESTED BY THE PUBLISHER.— -Compiler. 

Abelino, g c by Dragon, dam Celerrima. 1804. John Hoomes. 

Abjer, imported, got by Old Truffle, dam Briseis by Benningbrough, 
gr dam Lady Jane, by Sir Peter Teazle. Foaled, 1817, died 
1828. Alabama. Jas. Jackson. 

Adeline, b f by Henry, dam by Old Oscar. New Jersey. J. Van- 
dyke, 
br m by Spread Eagle, Whistle Jacket, Rockingham, Old Cub, 

&c. 1806. John Tayloe. 
Young, by Topgallant, dam Adeline by Spread Eagle. 1809.' — 
John Tayloe. 

Adelaide, b f by Thornton's Ratler, dam Desdemona by Miner Es- 
cape, &c. 

Adria, b f by Pacific, dam Oceana. 1831. J. Southall. 

Admiral Nelson, imported, b h by John Bull. Foaled, 1795. Wil- 
liam Lightfoot. 

African, bl h by Careless, dam by Lloyd's Traveller. Flatbush, 1788. 
A. Giles. 

Agnes, or the Thrift mare, by Bellair, dam by Wildair. Wm. Thrift 
b m by Sir Solomon, by Tickle Toby, her dam Young Romp, by 
Duroc. 1822. Gen. Coles. 



256 

Agricola, bl h by Highflyer, dam by imported Dove, gr dam Emery's 

noted running mare. Chesterfield, Va. Reuben Short. 
Agrippa, g h by the Winter Arabian, dam by Harrison's Pretender. 

Kentucky. R. J. Breckenridge. 
Alaricus, by Haskin's Americus, dam Henderson's Young Medley,. 

g dam, by Thornton's WiLdair, &c. 
Alexander, imported, was bred by Sir William Wynne, Bart., got by 

Lord Grosvenor's Old Alexander. Virginia. Wm. Smalley. 
Alexandria, sor m by imported Alexander, dam Black Maria by Shark* 

1811. J. Tayloe. 
Imported was by Alexander, her dam by Woodpecker. John 

Hoomes. 
Alderman, imported, got by Pot8os, dam Lady Bolingbroke, by 

Squirrell, Cypron, the dam of King Herrod, &c, John Banks. 
Mare, dk b by Alderman, dam by Clockfast, out of a Wildair mare. 

1799, J. Wickham. 
Albert, by Americus 7 dam by Wildair, by Fearnought. 1798. Ro^ 

bert Saunders. 
Alfretta, ch f by Christian's Hotspur, by Timoleon, dam Lady Al- 
fred, by old Sir Alfred. 1831. Hugh Campbell, 
Alice, gr f by Henry, dam Spirtmistress. Queen's county, New- York. 

1829. Thos. Pearsall. 
Alice Gray, gr f by Brilliant, dam by Sir Archy. Foaled, 1829.' — •■ 

Thomas Snowden, Jun. 
All Fours, imported, got by All Fours, son of Regulus — Blank Bol- 
ton Starling — Miss Meynell by Partner — Greyhound. 
All Trumps, s m by Sir Archy, dam by imported Jack Andrews.—- 

Richard Adams. 
Alknomac, ch c by Kosciusko, dam by Buzzard. Kentucky. Ed, 

M. Blackburn. 
Alzira, by Archduke, dam by Bedford, g dam by Pollyphemus.— 

Wm. Garnett. 
Amanda, by Gray Diomede, dam Amanda by Bedford. Powhattan, 

Va. Wade'Mosby. 
b m by Bedford, dam by Old Cade, g dam by Col. Hickman's In- 
dependence. J. Broaddus. 
Duroc, b m by Duroe, dam by Sir Solomon, g dam imported Trum- 

petta, &c. 1827. 
Amazon, by Dictator, dam Statira by Percy, g dam Homespun by 

Romulus. 1800. Wade Hampton. 
Amazonia, b m by Tecumseh, Sir Harry, Celer, &c. Nash. Cy. 

N. C. 1815. Nath. Ward, 
b m by Sir Peter, dam Diana by Americus. 
Americus, by imported Shark, dam by Wildair, by Fearnought, King 

and Queen, Va. 1798. John Hoskins. 
Andrew Jackson, b h by Virginian, dam by Sir Arthur, g dam by 

Florizell. 
Andromache, by Old Cub, her dam by Sweeper, g dam Clarissa, by 

imported Ranger. Washington. 1808. Wm. Thornton. 
Anna, b f by Truxton, dam Dido by Creur de Lion. 1810. 



257 

Antoinette, b f by Marshal Ney, dam Camilla by Timoleon. Ra- 
leigh, N. C. 1830. C. Manly. 

Anvelina, imported, b m. Presented by Mr. O'Celly in 1799, to 
Col. J. Tayloe. 

Apollo, dk b h by Old Fearnought, dam Spotswood's imported Cul- 
len Arabian mare. 1777. Richard Elliott. 

Apparition, imported b c by Spectre, dam young Cranberry (bred by 
Earl Grosvenor.) 

Arabian Lindsay's or Ranger, presented by the Emperor of Morocco 
to the captain of an English vessel, and landed in the West In- 
dies, there he broke three of his legs, and was made a present to 
a gentleman from Connecticut, where he went by the name of 
Ranger. Captain Lindsay was sent by General Lee, in 1777-8, 
who purchased him and brought him to Virginia. 
Jones's — A dapple grey fifteen hands high, black legs, mane and 
tail. Selected in Tunis by Major Stith, American Consul there, 
and purchased for Commodore Jacob Jones of the U. S. Navy. 
Selim, g h presented by Murad Bey to the late Gen, Sir F. Aber- 
crombie, and after his death he became the property of Commo- 
dore Barron, of whom he was purchased, and afterwards sold 
and carried to Kentucky. 1815. John Tayloe. 
Winter's — Was captured during the last war, (1814,) then one 
year old, by the privateer Grampus, of Baltimore, on board the 
brig Doris, his Majesty's transport, No. 650, on his passage 
from Senegal in Africa, to Portsmouth, England, and was intend- 
ed as a present for the then Prince Regent, late King of England. 
This horse was sold, and purchased by E. J. Winter, member 
of Congress, from the State of New York. This Arabian is 
now white, and about four feet nine inches high. 
Bagdad — Was purchased by George Barclay, Esq. of New York, 
from Hassana de Gris, Minister to England from Tripoli, who 
imported him to England, as ahorse of the purest Arabian blood : 
he was purchased by a Company in Nashville, Tennessee, for 
$8,000. 1823. 
Bussora — Imported from the land of Job, for which $4,000 was 

paid. Stood at New York. 
Ballesteros, dk br formerly the property of Ferdinand, King of 
Spain, and still bears the Royal Mark. When the French Army 
got possession of Madrid, the steed belonging to the King of 
Spain, was taken by the Spanish nobles, carried to Cadiz and 
there sold. Amongst others was young Ballesteros — he became 
the property of Richard S. Hackley, Eeq. Consul at that place, 
who disposed of him to Captain Singleton, of Philadelphia, who 
brought him to this country, and sold him to Thomas Guy of 
Richmond, Va. Broad Rock, Va. 1816. William Ball. 
Arabarb, bl imported by Col. Lear, a large strong horse, well pro- 
portioned but not handsome ; he was the sire of the dam of Fair- 
fax. Col. Lear. 

Arabia, bl h by Old Janus, from a blood mare by an imported horse. 
Cumberland county, Va. 1777. Thomas Moody. 



258 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Arab, b h by Sir Archy, dam Bet Bounce, by Sir Harry. Bruns- 
wick county, Va. 1829. 
Arabella, br f by Arab, dam by Virginian, g. dam by Old Sir Archy. 

1827. 
by Dare Devil, dam a Clockfast mare. Richmond. 1823. Sam- 
uel McCraw. 
Arch Duke, imported. A brown bay, got by Sir Peter Teazle. — 

Richmond. 1803. John Banks. 
Archibald, imported, bred by the Duke of Hamilton, and foaled in 

1801. He was got by Walnut, son of Highflyer. William 

Smalley. 
Archy Sir, (Benehans,) by Old Sir Archy, dam by Eagle, gr dam by 

imported Druid, g g dam by Old Mark Anthony. 
Ariadne, by imported Citizen, dam by Blank. Col. Holcombe. 
by Ball's Florizelle, dam Thunderclap, (bred by Mr, Wickham, 

Richmond,) g dam Ariadne, by Bedford. 
Ariel, b f by Young Contention, dam Kitty by imported Whip. — 

Georgia. 1830. Charles A. Rudd. 
Artless, b m by a son of imported Bedford, dam a Ratth de Cashe by 

Terror. South Carolina. 1809. Harrison. 
Aspacia, gr m by Bellair, dam Polly Peachem. 1795. J. Tayloe. 
Atlas, b h by imported Ranter, dam by imported Lansdale, out of an 

imported mare. Bait. cy. 1787. M, Nestor. 
Atalanta, ch f by Old Slouch, dam Brilliant mare. South Carolina, 

1791. Wm. Alston, 
b f by Roanoake, dam Young Minikin, &c. J. Randolph. 
Augusta, imported by Sattram, dam by Wildair, Clockfast, Apollo, 

Janus, Jolly Roger, &c. Foaled, 1802. William Rives. 
Aurora, gr m by Gov. Lloyd's Vintzun, dam Pandora by Grey Dio- 

mede. Thomas Emery. 
Aurelia, imported by Anville, dam Augusta by Eclipse, Herod, Baja- 

zette, &c. 1800. 
Aura, b f by Roanoake, dam Amy Robsart. J. Randolph. 
Autocrat, imported gr h sixteen and a-half hands high, by Grand 

Duke, dam Olivetta, (by Sir Oliver,) g dam Scotini by Delphini, 

Scotia by Eclipse, &c. Grand Duke by Arch Duke out of 

Handmaid by John Bull, &c. Foaled, 1822. 
Autocrat, imported, gr c got by Grand Duke, dam Olivetta by Sir 

Oliver — Scotina by Delphi — Scota by Eclipse — foaled, 1822. 

N. Y. W. Jackson. 

Babraham, by imported Juniper, dam Col. Tasker's imported Selima, 
&c. Philadelphia, 1780. Jacob Hittzheimer. 

Babraham, imported b h fifteen hands two inches high, got by Old 
Fearnought, son of Godolphin Ar. — Silver imported into Vir- 
ginia, by Wm. Evans, of Surry county, and got by the Belsize 
Arabian in England) and foaled, 1759. Virginia, 1765. Wm. 
&; Geo. Evans. 
Imported b h got by Wildair, Babraham, Sloe, Bartlett's Guilders, 
Counsellor, Snake, &c. Foaled, 1775. Va., 1783. A. Willis. 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 259 

Bacchus, b c by Sir Archy, dam by Rattler, (by Shark,) g dam by 

Wildair. Wilkinson. 
Badger, imported gr h by Bosphorus, (a son of Babraham,) dam by 

Black. N. Carolina, 1777. Gov. Eden, 
by imported Badger, dam by Galloway's Selim out of an imported 

mare by Spot. Maryland, 1806. Benjamin Ogle. 
Bajazette, imported, by the Godolphin Arabian, dam by Whitefoot, 

Leedsman, Moonah, Barb Mare. 1740. 
(Little Devil,) by Dare Devil, dam Miss Fauntleroy. 1801. John 

Tayloe. 
(Young,) b h by Bajazette, dam a Janus mare, (bred by B. Moore, 

N. Carolina.) King and Queen, Va. 1774. 
Bald Eagle, b c by Spread Eagle, dam Broadnax by Old Janus, &e. 

J. Breckenridge. 
Bally Shannon, by Wedding Day, dam Miss Fauntleroy. 1801. J. 

Tayloe. 
Ball Hornet, b by Black and all Black, dam Rosetta by Shylock. 
Bango Seib, by Bedford dam, dam of Byron by Archy. R. Benehan. 
Baronet, imported b h by Virtumnus son of Eclipse, his dam Penul- 

tima by Snap. This horse was imported into New York with 

Pot8os mare, the gr dam of Am. Eclipse. 
Barefoot, imported, was by Tramp, (he by Dick Andrews out of a 

Gohanna mare,) dam Rosamond by Buzzard out of Roseberry. 

Sold in England for over $12,000. Foaled, 1820. Imported 

by Sir Isaac Coffin, 1825-6. 
Baron Bostrop, gr c by Roanoake, dam Miss Ryland. 1825. J. 

Randolph. 
Baron Trenck, by Sir Archy, dam by Old Galatin, g dam imported 

by Gov. Telfair of Georgia. Wm. Terrell, (Georgia.) 
Bashaw, b h by imported Wildair, dam De Lancey's imported Cub 

mare. New Jersey. 
Mare, dk ch by imported Bashaw, imported Jolly Roger, Aristotle, 

Merrypintle, &c, dam an imported mare from Lord Cullen's 

Stud. 
Bay Bett, b m by Ratler, dam b m bred by Isaac Duckett of Mary- 
land in 1809, got by Dr. Thornton's imported horse Clifden, her 

dam by Richard Hall's Tom by imported Eclipse, General C. 

Irvine. 
Bay Maria, b f by American Eclipse, dam Lady Lightfoot, &c. — 

1831. 
Bedford, imported by Dungannon, (he by Eclipse,) dam Fairy by 

Highflyer, Fairy Queen by Young Cade, &c. Bowling Green, 

Virginia, 1792. John Hoomes. 
Mare, by imported Bedford, dam by imported Dare Devil. Foal- 
ed, 1810. Greensville, Virginia. Thomas Spencer. 
Bellissima, b f by Melzar, dam by Old Wildair, Fluvia, &c. 1807. 

J. Tayloe. 
Belvidera, b c by Symme's Wildair, dam by imported Clockfast, gr 

dam by Old Yorick, &c. Brunswick county, Virginia, 1798. 

Hartwell Tucker. 



260 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Belvidera, b f by Roanoake, dam Archy Minikin. John Randolph. 

Ben Cooper, gr c by Messenger, dam Temptation by Heath's Chil- 
ders. 1803. 

Benyowski, b h by Americus, (by Diomede) dam imported Anvelina„ 
1802. John Tayloe. 

Bertrand, b h by Sir Archy, dam Eliza by imported Bedford, g dam 
Mambrino. 
Junior, ch by Bertrand, dam Transport. South Carolina, 1827. 
J. B. Richardson. 

Bet Bounce, b f by Sir Harry, dam Atalanta by Old Medley, &e. 
Foaled, 1825. 

Betty, ch f by Contention, dam Flora by Ball's Florizelle. Loudon, 
Va. J. Lewis. 

Black Maria, by American Eclipse, dam Lady Lightfoot. 1826. J. 
C. Stephens, 
by Shark, dam by Clockfast, g dam Maria by Regulus, &c. 1804. 
J. Tayloe. 

Black Merino, by Vintzun, dam by Comet, g dam by Don Carlos, 
Old Figure, &c. 

Black Ghost, by imported Oscar, dam Pill Box by imported Panta- 
loon, Melpomone, &c. Dr. A. Dixon, (Va.) 

Black Eyed Susan, by Sir Archy, dam by imported Druid, g darn 
by imported Saltram. 1812. C. Harrison, 
by Potomac, dam by Galatin, by Diomede, &c. 1819. Stephen 
Hester. 

Black and all Black, by Madison, dam Virago by Whip. 

by imported Brunswick, dam by Ariel, g dam Brent's Ebony g g 
dam imported Selima. Pennsylvania, 1780. Elihu Hall. 

Blakeford, ch c by Gov. Wright's Silver Heels, dam Selima by Top- 
gallant, Gabriel, Chatam, &c. Maryland. Robert Wright, Jun. 

Black Rose, bl m by Stockholder, (by Sir Archy,) dam by Hamilto- 
nian, by imported Diomede, g dam by Columbus, (by imported 
Pantaloon,) out of Lady Northumberland, &c. Frederick coun- 
ty, Va. 1826. D. H. Allen. 

Blemish, b m by Gracchus, dam imported Duchess. 1819. H. 
Burwell. 

Blossom, imported, by Old Sloe, her dam by Regulus, the sire of 
Fearnought, &c. Thomas Nelson, (Va.) 

Bolivar, gr h by Oscar, (by Wonder,) dam by Pacolet, Truxton, &c. 
by Sir Robert Wilson, dam Darning Needle, 
b h by Rattler, dam by Sir Solomon. 1826. Wright. 

Bompard, by imported Obscurity, dam by Pilgarlic, g dam by im- 
ported Jack of Diamonds, &c. 

Bonnets O'Blue, gr f by Sir Charles, dam Reality by Sir Archy. 
W. R. Johnson. 

Bonny Black, b f by Bagdad, dam Fancy. Tennessee. D. W. 
Sumner. 

Bonnyface, imported, also called Master Stephen, dk b h got by a 
son of Regulus out of the Fen mare, got by Hutton's Royal 
colt, Blunderbuss, &c. Foaled, 1768. Virginia. French. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 261 

Bonny Lass, (L. Hardiman's,) by Jolly Roger, dam imported Bonny 

Lass. 
Imported by Bay Bolton. 
Bonaparte, b by Col. Tayloe's Grey Diomede, dam by Matchem, g 

dam by Marius — Silver Heels, &c. Maryland. S. Nerwood. 
Boxer, by imported Medley, dam by Baylor's Fearnought, g dam by 

Jolly Roger, &c. Goochland county. J. Curd. 
by Sir Archy, dam by imported Druid — Symme's Wildair — 

Americus, &c. Ohio, 1830. P. Claiborne. 
Bravo, b c by Henry, dam Gulnare, &c. Queen's county, N. York, 

1829. Thomas Pearsall. 
Brenda, ch f by Gracchus, dam Mariana. F. B. Whiting. 

b m by (Ame's) Sir Archy, dam Madame Lavallette. Foaled, 

1823. J. J. Ambler. 
Britannia, imported, b m was got by Pegasus, dam Peggy, was very 

fleet, but invariably bolted. 1800. John Tayloe. 
Bright Phoebus, full brother to Miller's Damsel. 
Brilliant, imported gr by Phenomenon, dam Faith by Pacolet — Ata- 

lantaby Matchem, &c. Foaled, 1791. J. Tayloe. 
br c by Sir Archy, dam Bet Bounce. 1826. W. R. Johnson, 
b c by Marplot, dam Brilliant mare. 1797. Joseph Atston. 
Chichester's, by Timoleon, dam Caroline by Marshall. Fairfax 

county, Virginia, 1828. 
Brilliant, ch h by Eden's imported Badger, dam by Othello, gr darn 

by Morton's Traveller, &c. Towsen's Tavern, Maryland, 1786. 

J. R. Holliday. 
Broadnax, by Old Janus, dam by Apollo, g dam by Fearnought, g g 

dam by Jolly Roger, &c. 1784. Broadnax. 

Brown Filly, imported, was by Sir Peter Teazle out of the dam of 

Horn's. South Carolina, 1802. John M'Pherson. 
Brunswick, imported, (called Lightfootin England,) was got by Oro- 

nooko, a son of Crab. J. Randolph. 
Bryan O'Linn, imported by Atston, dam by De Sang — Regulus-— 

Partner — -Brocklesby's Betsey, by the Curwen bay Barb. — ■ 

Foaled, 1796. North Carolina, 1803. Turner. 
Buckskin, by Mark Anthony, dam Brandon. B. Harrison. 
Bucephalus, imported br h got by Sir M. Witherton's Locust, dam 

by Old Cade, g dam by Partner. Foaled, 1758. Archibald 

Ritchie, 
b h by Symme's Wildair, &c. 1807. Col. Edward Ward. 
Buxoma, ch f by Pulaski, dam Virginia Nell. 1829. J. Blick. 

Cadmus, b h by Sir Archy, dam by Shylock. Kentucky. N. Hutch- 
croft. 

Cade, by Old Partner, dam imported Kitty Fisher. 1788. William 
Lumpkin. 

Caira, ch by Wildair, (by Fearnought,) dam by Sloe, the dam of 
Grey Diomede. 1796. Richard Brooke. 

Calypso, g m by Medley, dam Selimaby Yorick. 1793. J. Tayloe. 
b f by Chance Medley, dam by Vintzun. Col. Chambers. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

Calista, gr f by Roanoake, dam Miss Peyton. J. Randolph. 
Calmuc, ch c by Timoleon, dam Fair Forester, &c, 1831. Doctor 

Goodwin. 
Camden, by Old Janus, dam Polly Haxen. King and Queen, Va., 

1782. Harry Gaines. 
Camilla, by Tanner, dam Stella by Tasker's Othello. Henry Carter* 
oh m by Timoleon, dam Duchess by Bedford. Halifax, N. C. — 

Robert A. Jones, 
by Old Wildair, dam Minerva by Obscurity. Wm. Broadnax. 
b m by Bolingbroke, dam by Thornton's Diomede, he by Ball's 

Florizelle, imported Whip, &c. King and Queen county, Va., 

1826. Hugh Campbell. 
Camillius, b h by Burwell's Traveller, dam Camilla by Old Fear- 
nought. Foaled, 1773. Prince George, Va. 1782. J. Gordon. 
Candidate, b c by Cormorant, dam by Mexican out of Maria, &c. 

Freds. James Smock. 
Carlo, imported b h by Balloon, dam own sister to Peter Pindar by 

Javelin. 1809. Dr. Thornton, 
by imported Carlo, dam by imported Florizelle out of a mare 

raised by Col. R. K. Heath, &c. Major Gibbs, 
Careless, by imported Fearnought, dam Camilla, by Dove— Othello, 

Spark, <fcc. Maryland, 1776. Richard Sprigg. 
by Cormorant, dam by imported Shark, gr dam Betsy Pringle, <fec. 

1801. J. Hoomes. 
Caroline Whitefoot, b m by Oscar, dam Indian Hen by Othello, g. 

dam by Lloyd's Traveller, &c. Caroline county, Virginia, 1818. 

Elisha Wilson. 
Caroline, b m by Old Sir Archy, dam by imported Dion, g dam Miss 

Seldon by Sorrel Diomede— Wildair, &c. 1823. Dr. Tho. 

Hall. 
Carolina, b f by Saltram,dam Medley mare, g dam Old Reality, <fcc. 

Marmaduke Johnson. 
Carrion Crow, by Young Royalist, dam by imported Spread Eagle. 

Paris, Kentucky. Jefferson Scott. 
Castania, by Arch Duke, dam Castianira. 1803. J. Tayloe. 
Castaway, b c by Roanoake, dam Miss Peyton. 1827. J.Randolph 
Catherine the Great, b f by Roanoake, dam young Grand Duchess. 

J. Randolph. 
Centinel, imported, ch h by Blank out of Naylor by Cade. Foaled, 

1758. 
Centaur, br h by Evan's Starling, dam an imported mare. Foaled, 

1764. 
Chance, imported b h by Lurcher, (son of Dungannon,) dam by Hy- 

der Ally. John Tayloe. 
Medley gr h by imported Chance, dam by Young Diomede. 
Chanticleer, by Wildair, dam by Pantaloon. 1798. B. Wilkes, 
br by Sir Archy, dam Black Ghost by imported Pill Box by im- 
ported Pantaloon — Morton's Traveller. James G. Green. 
Charles Carroll, ch c by Sir Charles, dam Susan by Bond's Sir Sol- 
omon, &c. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 26$ 

Chariot, imported b h by Highflyer, dam Fotosi by Eclipse — Blank 

Godolphin Arabian — Snip — Partner, &c. Foaled, 1789. N. 

Carolina, 1800. J. & L. Lyne, 
Charlemont, imported b c (afterwards called Big Ben,) in which 

name he ran many races in England, and afterwards in this 

country called Traveller. Foaled, 1786. Manchester, Virginia, 

James Strange. 
Chateau Margeaux, imported dk br h got by Whalebone, best son of 

Waxay, dam Wasp by Gohanna — Highflyer — -Eclipse, &c — 

Foaled, 1822. Va. 1835. J. J. Avery & Co. 
Chesnut Mare, by Diomede, dam by Alderman, g dam by Clockfast, 

&c. J. Wickham. 
Childers, imported b by Blaze, son of the Devonshire Childers, dam 

by Old Fox, &c. Stafford county, Virginia, 1759. Francis 

Thornton". 
Heath's ch h by Baylor's Fearnought, dam an imported mare by 

Bajazet. Richard Barnes. 
Chieftain, ch c by Director, dam by Hoskin's Sir Peter, gr dam by 

Highlander, &c. Richard Hill. 
Cicero, by Sir Archy, dam by imported Diomede, g dam by imported 

Fearnought — Jolly Roger, &c. 
Mare, dam (of Trifle) by Cicero, dam by Bedford, g dam by Bell- 
air— Shark, &c. 1822. Tho. Graves. 
Citizen, imported b h by Pacolet, a son of Blank, a son of Godol- 
phin Arabian — Fairy Queen by Young Cade, &c. Foaled, 

1785. 
by Pacolet, dam Fancy. Tennessee, 1818. 
Cincinnatns, (Bowie's,) by Lindsay's Arabian, his dam by imported 

Figure, g dam Thistle by imported Dove, 
by Bay Richmond, dam Blue Skin by Baylor's Fearnought.— 

Ringold. 
Claret, imported, got by Chateau Margeaux, who was by Whalebone, 

his dam by Partisan — Silvertail by Gohanna — -Orville, &c. — 

Foaled, 1830. N. C. Wyat Card well. 
Mare, by Claudius, dam by Bolton, g dam Sally Wright. 1791. 

J. Hoomes. 
Clermont, by Spread Eagle, dam Peggy. (Went to the South.)— 

J. Tayloe. 
ch c by Kosciusko, dam Josephine by Young Bedford, &c. S. 

Carolina, 1824. J. J. Moore. 
Clifden, imported b h by Alfred, a son of Matchem. Foaled, 1817. 

Dr. Thornton, 
(or Cliften,) ch h by Dr. Brown's Wonder, dam Iris by Sterling, 

&c. 1815. J. Lewis. 
Clio, by imported Whip, dam Sultana by imported Spread Eagle, 
ch m by Sir Archy, dam Beauty by Diomede, g dam Virginia by 

Dare Devil. Foaled, 1817. C. W. Van Ranst. 
Coeur de Lion, imported b h by Highflyer out of Dido by Eclipse — 

Spectator— Blank, &c. Foaled, 1789. (1800.) J. Hoomes. 



264 

Collector, by Old Mark Anthony, dam Lady Legs. Died, 1813. — > 

S. R. Carney. 
Collier, ch c by Sir Charles out of a Whip mare. 1826. William 

Finney. 
Combination, by Gracchus, dam Evelina by Phenomenon. 
Commutation, b h by Symme's Wildair, dam by Yorick, g dam by 

Little David, &c. 1788. John Belfield. 
Commodore, imported, bl b h sixteen hands high by Caleb Quotem, 

(a son of Sir Peter Teazle,) dam Mary Brown by Guilford, &c. 

Geneva, N. Y. C. A. Williamson. 
Comet, ch by Tayloe's Yorick, dam by Ranger, g dam by Dove. 

John Brown. 
Constantia, b m by imported Whip, dam by imported Bedford — im- 
ported Shark, Wormly King Herod, &c. 1814. D. H. Allen. 
Constellation, c h c by Thornton's Rattler, dam Nettletop. L. 

Berkely. 
Consul, by First Consul, dam by imported Aracohen, Messenger, a 

Bashaw mare, &c. 
Mare, by First Consul, by dam imported Obscurity, g dam Moll by 

Grey Figure, &c. 1827. 
Contract, imported, ch h by Cotton out of Eliza Leeds, dam Helen 

by Hamiltonian, gr dam Drowsey by Drone, g g dam Mr. Good- 
rich's Old English mare, &c. New-York, 1829. William 

Jackson. 
Constitution, by Diomede dam, (dam of Timoleon,) by imported 

Saltram— Old Wildair, &c. 
Conqueror, b h by imported Wonder, (Cripple,) his dam by Saltram. 

A. J. Davie. 
Contest, ch c by Contention, dam Fairy by Sir Alfred. Petersburg, 

Va. William Haxall. 
Copper Bottom, c c by Sir Archy, dam by Buzzard, g dam, dam of 

Betsy Richards. Edward Parker. 
Copper Head, by Kosciusko out of a Whip mare, g dam by Buzzard, 

Grey Diomede, &c. 
Cora, by Bedford, dam Little Moll by Medley. J. Tayloe. 

by Dr. Brown's Godolphin, dam by Charles Fox, g dam by Hall's 

Eclipse, &c G. W. Peter, 
ch m full sister to Virago and Nettle by Wildair by Ajax. 
Coriander, by Diomede, dam by Shark. W. B. Hamlin. 
Corporal Trim, chby Sir Archy, dam by Old Diomede. J. Powell. 
Corporal Casey, ch c by Virginius, dam Josephine by Bland's Bed- 
ford, &c. 1826. J. J. Moore, 
Crawford, imported gr h bred by the Duke of Cumberland, and got 

by his Arabian. Covered in Virginia in 1762. Robert Ruffin. 
Crusader, by Sir Archy, dam Lottery by Bedford. South Carolina, 

1830. 
Cumberland, gr h by Pacolet, dam Virginia by Dare»Devil. James 

Jackson. 
Cupbearer, b h by Bedford, dam Louisa, by Harris' Eclipse. John 

Tayloe. 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 265 

Cupid Oscar, b h by Edelin's Oscar, jim. dam by Thornton's Mer- 
cury, Prince George, Maryland, 1827. Thomas N. Baden. 

Dare Devil, imported b h by Magnet, dam Hebe by Chrysolite out 
of Proserpine, sister to Eclipse, &c. Foaled, 1787. 
Young, by imported Dare Devil, dam by a son of Old Partner out 
of a mare which was got by an imported horse. New Kent 
county, Va. 1802. John Clopton. 

Dairy Maid, by Bedford, dam Racket by Medley. 

s m by Sir Hal, dam by imported Oscar, g dam by Old Diomede, 
Bellair, &c. J. M. Botte. 

Dart, ch m by Diomedon — Old Celer — Old Warning — Old Spadile, 
&c. out of a thorough-bred mare. 1815. (Crippled.) 

Darning Needle, b m by Sir Archv, dam by imported Diomede. 
Foaled, 1813. E. Warfield. 

Dasher, gr c by Cincinnatus, dam Shrewsbury Nan. Maryland. 
Thos. M. Forman. 

Dashall, br h by Sir Archy, dam Meg Dodds. Reeds, Caroline cy. 
Messrs. Corbins, 

De Kalb, b h by Arab, dam by Virginian, g dam Prudentia by 
Shylock. South Carolina, 1832. A. R. Ruffin. 
br c by Kosciusko, dam Virginia Coquette. 1825. J. Fergu- 
son. 

Desdemona, by Dare Devil, dam Lady Bolingbroke. 1800. John 
Tayloe. 
b m by Miner's Escape, dam by Dare Devil, gr dam by Mask.— 

1819. E. G. W. Butler, 
br ch m by Virginius, dam Miss Fortune, by imported Star, g dam 
Anvelina. 1818. 

Delegate, ch c by imported Valentine, dam Cornelia Van Home, &c. 
1831. T. M. Forman. 

Democrat, b h by Grey Diomede, dam by Hall's Imported Eclipse, 
g dam by Don Carlos. Walter Bowie. 

Derby, imported dr b h sixteen and a-half hands high, got by Peter 
Leley out of Urganda, formerly Lady Eleanor, she by Milo* 
dam by Sorceror out of Twins, &c. Foaled, 1831. R. D„ 
Shepherd. 

De Witt Clinton, ch h by Rattler, dam (Flirt's dam) by Duroc, g 
dam by Baronet. 

Diana, gr f by Gallatin, dam by Clio by imported Whip. 1817. 

Diana Vernon, br b m by Ratray, dam Cora by imported Carlo out 
of Pandora. Maryland, 1817. James Parker. 

Dictator, by imported Mexican, dam by imported Flimnap, gdam im- 
ported. Bought at the Duke of Bridgewater's sale in 1762. — 
Foaled, 1790. Gen. John M'Pherson. 

Dinwiddie, b h by Diomede, dam by Wildair, g dam by Apollo — Part- 
ner, Fearnought, <fcc. 1804. Dr. William Cutler. 

Dion, imported by Spadile, dam Faith by Pacolet, g dam Atalanta by 
Matchem — Lass of the Mill by Oronooko, Old Traveller, &c. 
1795. J. Hoomes. 
18 



266 the farmer's complete farrier* 

Dion mare, b m by imported Dion — Highflyer — Apollo — Old Jolly 
Roger, &c. Halifax, Virginia, 1806. J. Sims. 

Diomede, imported, ch h by Florizelle, dam by Spectator, g dam 
sister to Horatio by Blank. (Died in 1807, thirty years old.) 
Eagle, br c by imported Eagle, dam Chesnut mare by Diomede. 

gr dam by Alderman — Wildair, &c. 1814. J. Wickham. 
Mare, b by imported Diomede, dam by Gimcrack, (alias Ran- 
dolph's Roan.) Buckingham county, Virginia, 1815. Edward 
Curd. 
Mare, b by Ragland's Diomede, imported Dion- — imported High- 
flyer — Apollo, <fec. 1816. J. Sims. 

Directress, ch m by Director, dam by Old Potomac, g dam by Gim- 
crack, <fec. 1822. — —Jackson. 

Doctor, b e by Pacotaligo, dam Virginia, (Coquette.) 1819. J. 
Ferguson. 

Dolla Bella, b f by Roanoake, dam Bay Doll. 1825. J. Randolph, 

Don Carlos, by imported Valentine, dam Fenella by Silver Heels. — 

Don Juan, ch c by Timoleon, dam Rosemary, by imported Diomede, 

Dora, b f by Kosciusko, dam Josephine. 1825. John S. Moore. 

Doubtless, by Fitz Diomede, (son of Diomede,) dam by Picture. 
G, P. Tayloe, 

Douce Davie, b c by Roanoake, dam Cornelia. 1825. John Ran- 
dolph. 

Dragon, imported by Woodpecker, dam Juno by Spectator. Died ? 
1812, aged twenty-five years. John Hoomes. 

Dreadnought, ch c by imported Expedition, dam Tulip. Thomas 
M. Forman. 

Dubious, b cby Bertrand, dam Darning Needle, <fec. 1829. 

Duroc, ch h by imported Diomede, dam Amanda by Grey Diomede, 
&c. Died, 1826. Powhatan county, Virginia, 1810, Wade 
Mosby. 

Duchess, imported b m bred by the Duke of Grafton, got by Grouse 
son of Highflyer out of Georgiana, own sister to Conductor by 
Matchem — Babraham — Partner, &c. 1801. John Randolph, 
of New York, imported ch m got by Catton, dam by Sancho — 
Coriander — Highflyer, &c. Foaled, 1821. Virginia. R, D. 
Shepherd. 

Dumpling, ch f by Gracchus, dam Everlasting. 1818, John Ran- 
dolph. 

Eagle, imported b sixteen hands high, got by Volunteer (a son of 

Eclipse,) out of a Highflyer mare. Foaled, 1796. Whitby, 

Virginia, 1812. S. S. Saunders, 
br b by Spread Eagle, dam Arminda, &e. 1801, Sold to Mr. 

Alston, S. Carolina. J. Hoomes. 
br b by Old Sir Solomon, dam Aurora by Honest John, gr dam 

Zelippa by imported Messenger. N. Jersey. Stephen Hunt. 
Easter, ch f by Gohanna, dam by Napoleon, g dam by Sir Harry — 

Diomede, &c. 1829. Thomas Graves. 
Echo, ch f by American Eclipse, dam Maria Slamerkin. 1825. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 267 

Eclipse, Harris's b h by imported Fearnought, dam an imported mare 

by Shakspeare, <fec. Died, 1790. Raised by John Baylor. 
Maryland, dk ch h by American Eclipse, dam Lady of the Lake. 

g dam Maid of the Oaks. Baltimore, 1829. Samuel Briscoe. 
Eclipse, by imported Eagle, dam Lauretta by imported Bedford, &c, 

Kentucky, 1825. Lewis Sheely. 
Herod, by imported Driver, dam imported Miss Bennington.-— 

Washington city, 1808. William Thornton. 
Election, c c by Spectator, dam Fairy by Bedford. 1811. John 

Hoomes. 
Eliza, ch m by Bagdad, dam Mellwood by Topgallant. Tennessee. 

L. J, Polk, 
b f by Justice, dam Nancy Dawson. 1803. James Ferguson. 
Elizabeth, by Sir Archy, dam by Robin Redbreast. Gen. Wynne. 
Elvira, ch f by Bedford, dam Virginia Sorrell. (Sold to H, King.) 

J. Tayloe. 
Endless, ch f by Gracchus, out of sister to Everlasting. 1819. — ■ 

J. Randolph. 
Enterprise, b h by Diomede, dam Forlorn Hope. Henry Macklin. 
Engineer, ch by imported Eagle, dam by imported Archduke out of 

imported Castianira, &c. Broadnax. 

Englishman, imported by Mr. Walter Bell of Virginia, his dam by 

Eagle, also imported — Pot8os — Pegasus, Small Bones by Jus- 
tice, &c. Foaled, 1812. 
Equa, ch m by imported Chance, dam by Republican President, g 

dam by imported Figure — Dove, &c. 1815. Isaac Ducket. 
Escape, (or Horns,) imported ch h fifteen and a-half hands high, 

was got by Precipitate, his dam by Woodpecker. Foaled., 

1798. John Hoomes. 

N. B. — Escape was called Horns in England, under which 

name he raced. 
Mare, ch bred by Dr. Thornton in 1821 by Miner's Escape, dam 

Young Adeline by Topgallant. Irvine. 

Ethiopia, bl m by Tayloe's Bedford (by Bedford) dam by Pot8os, 

who was by Old Medley out of a Conductor mare, g dam Celer, 
Eudora, b m by imported Dragon, dam by imported Clifden, g dam 

by Flag of Truce — Goode's Brimmer. H. Baldwin, Jun. 
Eugenius, imported ch c by Chrysolite, dam Mixbury by Regains — ■ 

Little Bowes by a brother to Mixbury — Hutton's Barb, &c. — • 

Foaled, 1770. 
Exile, ch c by Coeur de Lion, dam Syren Silver, g dam Caroline by 

Eclipse, &c. Davidson, Tennessee. 1806. 
Expedition, or Ballinamuc, imported, fifteen hands three and a-half 

inches high, was got by Pegasus, his dam Active by Wood- 
pecker, gr dam Laura by Whistlejacket. Foaled, 1705. J. 

Humphreys. 
Express, imported, was got by Postmaster out of a Cypron mare, g 

dam by Matchem. Foaled, 1785. 

Fair Play, b c by Play or Pay, dam Bellaria. 1802, J. Hoomes. 



268 

Fair Forester, b m by imported Chance, Celia by Symmes' Old 
Wildair — Lady Bolingbroke, &e. John Baker. 

Fairfax, (afterwards called Rattler,) by Rattler, dam Laura by Ara- 
barb, imported by Col. Lear, an Arabian horse. 

Fair Star, b f by Torpedo, dam Betsy Wilkes. Foaled, 1831. G. 
A. Blaney, U. S. A. 

Fanny, ch f by Cceur de Lion, dam Fanny Foster by Wildair. — 
Tennessee, 1808. 

Fanny Foster, ch by Old Wildair, dam by Old Partner — Old Fear- 
nought — Old Jolly Roger, &c. North Carolina, 1795. John 
Foster. 
Murray, g f own sister to Miss Peyton. 1814. J. Randolph. 

Fancy, br m by Wilke's Wonder, dam by Mark Anthony, Fear- 
nought, &c. Tennessee, 1809. J. Sumner. 

Farmer John, b c by Sterling, dam imported Janette. Richard 
Hoones. 

Favourite, imported b m by Volunteer, dam by Matchem, Dainty 
Davie — Bayton, &c, bred by Mr. Fenwick. Foaled, 1790. — 
imported, 1796. John Hoomes. 

Fayette, by Fitzhugh's Regulus, dam by Othello, imported Juniper, 
Morton's Traveller, &c. Charles City county, Virginia, 1788. 
Prestly Thornton. 

Fearnought, imported br bay, fifteen hands three inches high, got by 
Regulus, (who was by the Godolphin Arabian,) dam Silver Tail, 
by Heneague's Whitenose, her dam by Ratler, &c. Died, 1776, 
aged twenty-one years. J. Baylor. 

Feather, ch f by Rattler, dam Marianna. Frederick county, Vir- 
ginia, 1827. B. F. Whiting. 

Federalist, by Lath, dam by Old Fearnought out of Col. Tasker's Se- 
lima, raised by J. Tayloe. J. Pryor. 

Fenella, by Silver Heels, dam Black Merino, by Vintzun — Comet>— 
Don Carlos — Old Figure, &c. Easton, Maryland. G. S. 
Winder. 

Fidelity, c f by Sir Charles, dam by Sir Alfred — Florizelle — Dio- 
mede, &c. Pennsylvania. Edward Parker. 

Figure, imported b h by Grey Figure— Old Figure by an Arabian, 
his dam the dam of Bowie's Cyrus, and got by Young Standout, 
his gr dam. Old Jason, Young Figure's dam was Marianna 
dam of Ralph Gore's gr mare. 1767. Dr. Hamilton. 

Firefly, ch f by Reigo, dam Shepherdess by Phenomenon. Rich- 
ard Adams. 

Firetail, imported b by Phenomenon out of Columbine by Espusike's, 
&c. 1801. Imported by Cain & Ray. 

Firebrand, imported ch c by Buzzard out of Fanny, own sister to 
King Fergus the sire of Hamiltonian. 

First Consul, by Flag of Truce, dam by imported Slender, g dam 
imported Dion by famous Eclipse. Philadelphia, 1804-5. J. 
P. Bond. 

Fitzpartner, by Old Partner, dam Brandon by imported Aristotle. — 
Albemarle, Virginia, 1800. David Clarkson. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 269 

Flagellator, ch h by Sea Gull, dam Honesty by imported Expedition, 
g dam by imported Messenger, &c. John Frost. 

Florizelle, imported, (Helen's,) dappled bay, sixteen hands high by 
the noted Florizelle, out of a brown mare by Alfred, his g dam 
Fairy Queen by Young Cade, g g dam Black Eyes by Crab out 
of Warlock, Galloway by Snake, &c. Imported, 1794, by He- 
len for Ringgold & Co. 

Florizella, br f by imported Florizelle, dam Betsy Bell. Foaled, 
1802. Thomas M.Forman. 
(or Grey Tail,) by Ball's Florizelle, dam (Dr. Cutler's race mare,) 
by Wildair, g dam by Apollo — Eclipse — Mark Anthony — Im- 
ported Partner, &c. 

Flounce, g f by Buzzard, dam Portia. Delaware, 1828. T, Massey. 

Florida, b f by Contention, dam by Francisco — Jack Andrews- 
Dare Devil— -Clockfast, <fcc. 
by Old Rattler, dam Flora by Ball's Florizelle. 1827. J. Lewis, 

Flying Dutchman, b h by John Richards, dam by Eclipse, g dam by 
Tippoo Saib, imported Royalist, <fec. 

Flying Childers, ch h by Sir Archy, dam (the dam of Sumpter) by 
Robin Redbreast. Wynne. 

Forester, ch h by Sir Alfred out of a Hornet mare. Sold Mr. Pow- 
der, Frederick, Maryland. Richard Craddock. 
Imported by Magog, dam by Forester. (Stood in Kentucky, 1803.) 

Foskari, b c by Kosciusko, dam by Whip, gr dam by Columbus, &c. 
Kentucky. Ed. M. Blackburn. 

Francisco, by imported Hambleton, dam Nightingale by Chanticleer, 
Jolly Roger, &c. John Minge. 

Fylde, imported br h sixteen and a-half hands high, by Antonio out 
of Fadlidinida, she by Sir Peter Teazle, her dam Fanny out of 
Ambrosia by Woodpecker, he by Herod out of Miss Ramsden, 
she by Old Cade, a son of Godolphin Arabian, &c. Imported, 
1832. John Avery. 

Gallant, b h by Fearnought, his dam Stately by Sober John out of an 

imported mare. Robert Taylor. 
Gallatin, (Expectation,) by Bedford, dam Mambrina, out of a sister 

of Nailor's Sally, and sold to Col. Alston for four thousand dol- 
lars. 1798. J. Tayloe. 
Gamester, b c by Spread Eagle, dam Sappho by Buckskin. 1803. 

Richard A. Rapley. 
Gascoigne, by Roanoake, dam Lady G. 1824. J. Randolph. 
Gayoso, b c by Rinaldo, dam Orange. 1829. Thomas Massey. 
Genesis, b c by Sir Archy, dam Henrietta by Sir Hal. Baltimore, 

1827. Ph. Wallis. 
Gentle Kitty, by Young Post Boy, dam Gen. Ridgby's Dairy Maid 

by Bedford. 
Georgiana, by Sir Archy, dam Gattellier's mare. 1826. William 

Wynne, 
ch m by Napoleon, dam Old Poll by Druid. E. B. Hicks. 
Gestion, by Spread Eagle, dam Calypso. 1802, J. Tayloe. 



270 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Giannini, bl b m by Burwell's Post Boy, imported horse Chariot out 

of the Cumming's mare, &c. Granville, N. Carolina, 1809. 
Giles Scroggins, by Sir Archy, dam Lady Bedford. N. Carolina, 

1828. W. B. Moses. 
Glider, (2d,) b c by Glider, dam Temptation. 1802, T. M. Forman. 
Godolphin, by imported Diomede, dam Sally Shark by Shark, g dam 

Betsy Pringle. New Market, Virginia. John Baylor. 
Gohanna, br b h by Sir Archy, dam Merino Ewe, by Jack Andrews, 

&c. 1829. Half-Sink, near Richmond. J. M. Botts. 
Goliah, ch h by American Eclipse, dam Lady of the Lake, &c. — 

1827. W. Livingston, 
Golden Rod, by Mousetrap, dam Nancy Bell, bred by Gen. Jones. 
George's Juniper. (See Juniper George's,) imported. 
Grace, b f by Roanoake, dam Wildfire. 1822. J. Randolph. 
Gracchus, ch h by Diomede, dam Cornelia by Chanticleer, &c. 1806, 

John Randolph. 
Mare by Gracchus, imported horse Dion, imported Highflyer — 

Apollo, &c. Halifax, Virginia, 1818. John Sims. 
Grace, b m by Ravenswood, dam Old Everlasting by Sans Culotte. 

1822. John Randolph. 
Grand Duchess, ch m by Gracchus, dam imported Duchess. J. 

Randolph. 
Greensville, g f by Bedford, dam Arminda by Medley. Sold J. 

Jones, 1803. J. Hoomes. 
Grecian Princess, b m by Virginian, her dam Calypso by Bellair, g 

dam Irby's Dare Devil mare, &c. 1824. G. W. Jeffries. 
Grenadier, b h by Wilkes, (who was by Old Figure,) dam by Selim, 

Britannia, &c. Petersburg, 1782. Thomas Eaton. 
Grey Mare, by Slouch, by imported Medley out of a full bred mare. 

N. B. — The dam of the gr m was sold by W. A. Lee to Doctor 

Irvine. 
Grey Archy, by Old Sir Archy, dam by Grey Medley, (son of im- 
ported Medley,) g dam by imported Messenger, &c. Tennes- 
see, 1810. B. Philips. 
Grey Doll, by Spot, (before he was castrated,) dam by Sterling, (son 

of Volunteer,) Duetta by Silver Tail. John Randolph. 
Alfred, by Lindsay's Arabian, dam by imported Tom Jones. 
Greyhound, gr by imported Spread Eagle, dam Pandora by imported 

Medley, &c. 1806. H. T. Thornton. 
Gulnare,gr f by Duroc, dam Sportmistress. Queen's county, N, Y» 

1824. Thomas Pearsall. 

Hackabout, imported, got by Eclipse, dam by Cyphon and sister to 
Tandem, g dam sister to Apollo by Regulus — Snip, &c. Foal- 
ed, 1794. Imported, 1798. John Hoomes. 

Hail Storm, b h by imported Pantaloon, dam Wingyfeet by Jolly 
Roger, g dam Melpomone by Burwell's Traveller, &c,-— 
Charles city, 1802. Fr. H. Dancey. 

Half Pone, by Rattler, dam Maid of Patuxent by Magie, g dam Kitty 
Fox, by a son of imported Venetian. H. G. S. Key. 



THE- FARMERS COMPLETE FARTHER. 271 

Hamiltonian, or Hamlintonian,ch h by Diomede, dam by Shark, g 
dam by Spot by Apollo. 1801. J. Tayloe. 

Hamlet, b c by Maryland Eclipse, dam Forest Maid. Laureneeville, 
Virginia, 1830. R. K. Meade. 

Hannibal, by Sir William, dam Sally Currie. 1828. J. W. Jef- 
fries. 

Haphazard, by Collector, dam by Fearnought— Spadilla, &c. 1805. 
J. Tayloe. 

Harriet, b f by Bedford, dam Proserpine. 1804. J. Hoomes. 

Hautboy, gr c by Gallatin, dam Sappho by Tartar. 1815. 

Haymaker, dk ch s h by imported Clifden, dam Harlot by Hall's 
Eclipse, &e. Albany, 1829. C. M. Bennet. 
N. B. — This horse was bred by Col. Lyles of Maryland. 

Hazard, ch e by Timoieon, dam by imported Royalist, gdam by Dio- 
mede, <fcc. Tennessee, 1829. John Swinney. 

Hedgford, imported br by Filho da Puta, dam Miss Cragie by Orville, 
g dam by Lurcher — Phenomenon, &c, Filho da Puta by Hap- 
hazard, Waxey, Woodpecker, Squirrel, &c. Foaled, 1826.— 
Imported, 1832. William Jackson. 

Henrietta, br m by Sir Hal, dam Lady Burton. 1822. J, W. Eppes. 
b f by Henry, dam Agnes. Baltimore, 1827. Philip Wallis. 

Hephestion, red s hby Buzzard, dam Castianira. (Sold for fourteen 
hundred dollars.) 1809. J. Tayloe. 

Highflyer, imported br by TattersalPs Highflyer, his dam by Cyphon 
out of Young Cade's sister — : 01d Cade, Partner, Makeless — 
Brimmer, &c. Foaled, 1784. (South River.) J. Craggs. 
by imported Sir Harry, dam imported Pamona. Hanover, Vir- 
ginia, 1815. Daniel Wade, Jun. 

Highflyer Mare, by imported Highflyer — Apollo — imported Jolly 
Roger, &c. 1790. Halifax, Virginia. John Sims. 

Highlander, imported gr by Bordeaux, his dam (Teetotum) by Match- 
em, g dam Lady Bolingbroke by Squirrel, g g dam Cypron, the 
dam of King Herod, &c.., bred by Mr. Douglass in England. — 
Foaled, 1783. 

Hippona, b m by Virginian, dam by Rockingham, (by Florizelle,) g 
dam by Magog by Chanticleer. South Carolina. P. M. Butler, 
b f by Roanoake, dam Grand Duchess. 1822. J. Randolph. 

Hippona, imported b f by Sir Peter, dam by Woodpecker, g dam by 
Sweetbrier out of Buzzard, dam by Dux, &c. Foaled, 1802, 
Gen. M'Pherson. 

Honest John, imported br b by Sir Peter Teazle, dam by Magnet — 
Le Sang, Rib, Mother Western by (Smith's) Son of Snake, &c, 
imported 1794. Milton, N. Jersey, 1806. 

Honest John, by Tuckahoe, dam Chehoangti by imported Arab.— 
Bordentown, N. Jersey, 1826. James Davidson. 

Honesty, by imported Expedition, dam by imported Messenger, g 
dam by imported Bay Richmond, &c. J. H. Vanmeter. 

Honey Comb, by imported Jack Andrews, dam Pill Box by Panta- 
loon. Dr. A. T. Dixon. 

Hope, imported by Volunteer, imported by Dr. Tate of Philadelphia. 



272' the farmer's complete farrier. 

Hugo, ch c by Sir Charles, dam by imported Chance, g dam Cells 
by Symme's Wildair — Lady Bolingbroke, &e. Richard Adams. 

Hyena, br m by Young Wonder, (full brother of Nell Saunders,) out 
of Rosy Clack, &c. 1820. 

Idiora, b m by imported Citizen, dam by imported Sea Gull, gr dam 

by Huntsman— -Old Janus, &c. Foaled, 1810. Charles Shields. 

Inaugural, b c by Arab, dam Jenny by Archduke. 1829. J. C. 

Goode. 
Independence, by imported Fearnought, dam Dolly Fine, by Old Sil- 
ver Eye, &c. Col. Hickman. 
Iris, ch f by Marplot, dam Nancy Dawson, &c, 1795. 

gr f by imported Sterling, dam by imported Cceur de Lion, g dam 

Mead's Oracle. Loudon, Virginia, 1830. J. Lewis, 
ch f by Sir William, dam Shepherdess. 1828. Richard Adams, 
Isabella, imported dkbr f by Trumpeter, dam Demirip, sister to No- 
ble, &c. 1802. Gen. John M'Pherson. 
b f by Roanoake, dam Mexican. 1825. J. Randolph, 
b f by Arab, dam Lady Bedford. 1827. J. W. Jeffries. 
Ivanhoe, b c by Virginian, dam Jenny by Archduke. 1824. J. C r 
Goode ^ 

Jack Andrews, imported b h fifteen and a-half hands high, by Joe 

Andrews, (son of Eclipse,) his dam by Highflyer — Cardinal 

Puff, Tattler, Snip, Godolphin Arabian, &c. Foaled, 1794. — - 

Charles City county, Virginia. William Lightfoot. 
Jack, the Bachelor, imported by Blaze, dam by Gallant- — Smiling 

Tom, &c. Foaled, 1753." 
Jack Frost, b c by Ranger, dam Betsy Bell. Rose Hill, 1799. — > 

Thomas M. Forman. 
Jack of Diamonds, imported dkb h got by Cullen's Arabian — Darby 

Arabian, Byerly, Turk, &c. Virginia, 1763. Imported by 

Col. Spottswood. Solomon Dunn. 
James Fitzjames, b c by Tariff, dam Noma, g dam Lady Talman, 

(the dam Kate Kearny and Sussex.) W. D. Taylor. 
Jane Shore, b mby Sir Arehy, dam Fair Rosamond. 1827. Henry 

Macklin. 
Jane Grey, gr f by Old Slouch, dam Nancy Dawson. 

Lowndes, by imported Driver, dam Modesty, g d Madge by HalFs 

Union. 
Janus, imported bl h fifteen hands one inch high, by Old Sterling — > 
Old Crab, Monkey, Basto, &c. Foaled, 1754. William Hynes. 
Imported ch by Janus, dam by Fox — Bald Galloway, &c. Died 

1779-80, aged thirty-four. Gloucester county, Virginia. Mor- 

decai Booth. 
Jeff, br c by Stockholder, dam Maria Hill by Oscar. Nimrod Porter. 
Jefferson, br h by Virginian, dam Old Favorite by Bellair, &c. 1825. 

J. J. Harrison. 
Jenny, by Archduke, dam by imported Sterling, g dam by imported 

Obscurity out of Miss Slamerkin. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 273 

Jenny Cameron, by Lloyd's Traveller, dam Kitty Fisher. 1785.- — 

William Scott. 
Deans, ch m by Gracchus, dam Cornelia. 1815. J. Randolph. 
Wildflower, ch m by Bernadotte, dam Kate Cole. 
Cockracy, ch m by Potomac, dam by imported Saltram — imported 

Wildair, Driver, Fearnought, &c. 1814. Kentucky. E. War- 
field. 
Jerry, dap gr by Pacolet, dam by Topgallant, g dam by Grey Med- 
ley, &c. Col. Elliott. 
Jessica, b m by Shylock, dam by imported Young Sir Peter Teazle, 

g dam Castianira, (dam of Sir Archy.) Richard Adams. 
Jezebel, ch f by Bedford, dam Miss Chance, &c. Messrs. Tayloes. 
Jessamine, br f by Dockon, dam Virginia, (Coquette.) 1824. J. 

Ferguson. 
Jet, bl f by Bluster, dam Statira. 1820. J. Randolph. 
Jewess, b f by Roanoake, dam Jessica. 
Jim Carr, br f by Forester, dam Forest Maid. 1831. Richard I. 

Meade. 
Joan, b f by Roanoake, dam Grey Doll. J. Randolph. 
John Dismal, ch by Sober John, dam Jerry Dismal. 

Richards, b k by Sir Archy, dam by Rattler, (by Shark,) g dam by 

imported Medley — Wildair, Nonpareil, &c. 
Hancock, b c by Roanoake, dam Roanoaka by Florizelle. 1823. 

John Randolph. 
Stanly, b h by Sir Hal, dam Ariadne by imported Citizen, <fcc. — 

Foaled, 1818. Pennsylvania. Edward Parker. 
W, b c by Roanoake, dam Young Frenzy. 1825. J. Randolph. 
Jolly Air, by Old Wildair, dam by imported Flimnap — Brimmer — 

imported Valiant, &c. J. J. Harrison. 
Juliet, ch by Muttnomer, (he by Tom Tough,) dam by imported Old 

Bedford, g dam by Bellair out of King's Kitty Fisher. W. D. 

Taylor. 
Juniper, (George's) imported b h fifteen hands one inch high, by 

Babraham, (who was by Godolphin Arabian,) dam Aurora by 

Stamford Turk, &c. Charles City county, Va., 1762. Robert 

Harrison. 
Junius, imported, bl h got by old Sterling, old Crab, Monkey, Cur- 
win's Bay Barb, Spot, &c, foaled in 1754. Va. 1759. 
Junius, by (Craig's) Yorick, dam by Othello, g dam by Monkey, 

out of a Spanish mare imported by Mr. N. Harrison. Prince 

Edward county, Va. 1777. Edw. Watts. 
Juno, gr f by Gray Archy, dam Fancy by Wilkes' Wonder, &c. 

Tennessee, 1823. D. W. Sumner. 
Jupiter, b h by the noted Janus, bred by Capt. James Bell of Sussex, 

remarkable for swiftness, &c. 1775. J. Mason. 
Justice, imported ch h fifteen hands high, got by Regulus out of 

the Bolton Sweepstakes, &c. Prince George county, 1761. 
Justice, imported b h got by Blank, dam Aura by Stamford Turk, 

g dam by a brother to Conqueror, Childers, &c. Va. 1780. 

Geo. Gould. 



274 

Kate Cole, c m by Badger's Hickory, dam by Bucephalus, Celer, 
Fearnought, &c. Pennsylvania, 1811. C. Irvine. 
Kearney, b f by Sir Archy, dam Lady Talman by Sir Harry, &c. 
1826. Col. Wynne. 

Kill Devil, late Ajax, b h by Dare Devil, dam Atalanta by Old Medley. 
J. Tayloe. 

King Herod, (Wormley's,) b h by Baylor's Fearnought, dam by im- 
ported Othello, out of imported Kitty Fisher. Jersey, 1777. 
Herbert Haynes. 
Hiram, imported, was by Clay Hall, dam the Prince of Wales, 
Rockingham, g dam Yorico by Eclipse, g g dam Fidget by 
Spectator, &c. Prince George, Maryland, 1817, 

King William, imported red sor h got by Florizelle, dam Milliner by 
Matchem, Cassandria by Blank, &c. Foaled, 1781. Chester 
county, Pa. Dr. Norriss. 

Kitty Fisher, imported gr m by Cade, dam by the Cullen Arabian out 
of the famous mare Bald Charlotte. 1759. Carter Braxton, 

Kitty Fisher, b by Tiller's Bedford, (by Old Bedford,) dam by Old 
Bedford, Boxer, Claudius, Mexican, &c. W. D. Taylor. 

Kitty Clover, b m by Tom Tough, dam by Archduke, Sterling, King 
Herod, &c. Enoch Mason. 
Clover, bl m by American Eclipse, dam by imported Light Infant- 
ry, (she is half sister to Sir Lovell.) New York, 1825. M. 
Beach. 
Medley, gr m by imported Medley, dam Hoskin's Kitty Fisher, 
&c. 

Lady Bug, b by Young Forizelle, dam by Jack Andrews — Driver, 
Highflyer, &c, Wm. D. Taylor. 

Burton, by Sir Archy, dam Sultana : she was out of the mare got 
by the horse sent as a present by the Bey of Tunis to Thomas 
Jefferson. 1813. J. W. Eppes. 

Bedford, by imported Bedford, dam by imported Dare Devil — Mer- 
cury, Apollo, Jolly Roger. (See also Bedford mare) foaled, 
1810. J. W. Jeffries. 

Field, b m by Sir Archy, dam by Diomede. 1830. J. J. Har- 
rison. 

G. imported (Magician's dam,) bred by Sir Thos. Gascoigne, got 
by Hambletonian, Golden Locks by Delphine, Violet by Shark, 
Quick's Charlotte by Blank, Crab, &c. Roanoake, 1804. — 
John Randolph. 

Grey, imported by Gohanna, dam by Grey Skin — Woodpecker, 
Herod, Young Hag by Skim, &c. Foaled, 1803. 

Granville, b m by Roanoake, dam by imported Bryan O'Lynn — 
True Blue, Celer, Old Partner, &c. Oxford, N. C. 1827.— 
Wm. M. Sneed. 

Jane, by Potomac, dam Anvelina. N. Carolina, 1811. J. B. 
Richardson. 

Jane, b f by Shylock, dam Dutchess by Bedford. 1826. Mark 
Alexander. 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 275 

Lady La Grange, ch f by Sir Archy, dam by imported Dragon, g 

dam by imported Medley — Mark Anthony, &c. Laurencevillej 

Va. R. K. Meade, 
of the Lake, b m by Kosciusko, dam by Bedford — g dam Mellis- 

sant by Arion— Obscurity, Valliant, &c. S.Carolina. Foaled, 

1814. B. F. Taylor. 
Mar, gr m by a thorough-bred son of Badger's Hickory, dam by 

Mark Anthony — imported Dove — imported Lath, &c. 1818. 

C. Irvine. 
Relief, ch f by Am. Eclipse, dam Maria Slamerkin. New Jersey, 

1827. Dr. E. A. Darcy. 
Lalla Rookh, by Handel, dam Phillis by Old Topgallant. George 

Chicester. 
Lamballe, ch f by Kosciusko, dam Psyche by 'Sir Peter Teazle, &c. 

South Carolina. Richard Singleton. 
Lamplighter, b h by Hart's imported Medley, dam by Lonsdale out 

of Kitty Fisher, &c. Hanover Court House, 1801. Paul 

Thilman. 
Langford, imported br c got by Starch out of Peri, by Wanderer, her 

dam Thalistris, by Alexander, out of Rival by Sir Peter — Home 

by Drone— Manilla by Goldfinder. Foaled, 1833. F. P. Cor- 

bin. 
Lass of the Mill, gr f by Spread Eagle, dam Araminda. J. Hoomes. 
Last Chance, ch f by Sir Archy, dam Lady Bunbury. 1825. J. 

Randolph. 
Lavender Girl, b f by Henry, dam Ophelia by Little Medley, &c. — 

1832. 
Lee Boo, br b by Cragg's Highflyer, dam Captain James Betts' mare; 

she was of pure blood. Maryland, 1803. Osborn Spriggs. 
Leonidas, b by Sir Archy, dam Vixen by imported Jack Andrews 

raised by J. G. Green, and sold to J. M. Botts. 
Leocadia, br ch m by Virginius, dam Lady Jane by Potomac, g dam 

imported Anvelina. 
Leopold, ch h by Ogle's Oscar, dam Katydid by imported Expedi- 
tion. Frost. 

Leather Stockings, ch h by Rob Roy, dam Cora by Brown's Godol- 

phin. Georgetown, D. C. 1827. — Peter. 

Leviathan, imported (first called Mazercon,) ch got by Muley out of 

a Windle mare, g dam by Anvil out of Virago by Snap — Muley 

by Orville, and he by Benningbrough, and he by King Fergus 

out of a Herod mare. Foaled, 1823. Imported to Alabama, 
Lexington, b h by Symmes' Wildair, dam by Lonsdale, g dam by 

Jolly Roger, &c. 1800. Andrew Woodley. 
Liberty, by Sharp's Othello, dam by George's Juniper. Maryland. 

Charles Ridgley. 
Light Infantry, imported by Eclipse, dam by Feather, g dam by 

Childers, g g dam Widdrington mare, she by Old Partner. 
Linnet, by Trafalgar, dam Humming Bird by Tom Tough. Messrs. 

Corbins. 



276 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Little David, by imported Childers, dam Jenny Cameron. J. Tay- 

loe. 
Billy, by Florizelle, dam by Celer. W. R. Johnson. 
Lively, b m by American Eclipse, dam Haynes' Maria by imported 

Diomede, g dam Lively by Lively — Wild Goose by Selim, &c. 

New Jersey. Henry De Groot. 
Lochinvar, b c by Oscar, dam Virago by Shark. 1810. J. Tayloe. 
Lonsdale, by Jolly Roger, dam a bay mare imported, she by Mon- 
key — Lonsdale's Bay Arabian, &c. John Byrd. 
gr h by Page's Young Medley, dam Marianna by Telemachus, 

&c 1824. F. B. Whiting. 
Logan, a Mahogany bay, by Sir Archy, out of the dam of Lafayette 

by Virginia. 
Lottery, ch f by Bedford, dam Anvelina. 1803. 
Louisiana, b f by Old Rattler, dam Desdemona. 1829. E. G. W. 

Butler. 
Lovely Lass, b f by Timoleon, dam Lady Alfred by Old Sir Archy. 

1832. 
Love Lace, by Flying Childers out of an imported mare by Bospho- 

rus. 
Lubly Rosa, b f by Sir Archy, dam Equa. 1830. P. Wallis. 
Lucy Lockett, b f by Roanoake, dam young Minikin. 1823. J. 

Randolph. 
Lucy Gwynn, b m by Sir Charles, dam by Sir Harry — Bedford — 

Dare Devil — Wildair, &c. Messrs. Tayloes. 
Grey, b f by Washington, dam Betsey Hunter. Norfolk, 1820. 

E. Townes. 
Ludee, gr f by Old Slouch, dam Nancy Dawson. 1798. 
Luzborough, imported b h by Williamson's Luzborough, (a son of 

Sir Peter Teazle,) whose dam was by Dungannon, a son of 

Eclipse. Luzborough's dam was out of a Dick Andrews mare, 

sent to France and she by Whiskey out of Eleanor, &c. g g 

dam by Diomede, &c. Greensville. (Imp'd 1832.) J.Avery. 

Mab, b f by Archduke, dam Fairy by Bedford. 1809. J. Hoomes. 

Mabel, dk b f by Sir James, dam Meg Merrilies. Lewis Berkley. 

Macbeth, bl b by Sir Archy, dam by Shylock, g dam Lady Burton. 
Foaled, 1828. D. H. Allen. 

Macedonian, b by Roanoake, dam Statira by Alexander the Great. — 
1824. J. Randolph. 

Macaw, b f by Roanoake, dam Paroquet, &c. J. Randolph. 

Madame Lavalette, b m by Peace Maker, dam by Bedford, g dam by 
Medley, &c. 1815, J. J. Ambler. 

Magic, imported ch h (sold for $4000,) by Volunteer, dam Marcella 
by Mambrino — Media by Sweetbrier — Angelica by Snap, Regu- 
lus, &c. Prince George county, Maryland. 

Magog, by Chanticleer, dam Camilla by Wildair. J. J. Harrison. 

Magnetic Needle, imported b by Magnet, he by Herod, his dam sis- 
ter to the dam of Eusophroyne, she by Sweetbrier, his g dam 
Rarity by Matchem, &c. Foaled, 1787. Trenton, N. J., 1804. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 277 

Maggy Lauder, by Dr. Hamilton's imported Figure, dam by imported 
Othello, g dam by imported Spark. 

Maid of the Forest, gr f by Winter Arabian, dasm Young Buzzard 
mare by Hamiltonian, &c. 
of Warsaw, by Gohanna, dam Chesnut mare by Trafalgar, g dam 
Rosalba. King William county, Virginia, 1831. Lewis Hill. 

Mambrino, dk c by American Eclipse, dam Grand Duchess. Dela- 
ware county, Pa. 1830. Humphrey Hill. 

Marcella, b f by Roanoake, dam imported Philadelphia. 1823. J. 
Randolph. 

Marcellus, (formerly Red Rover,) ch h by Sir Charles, dam Shep- 
herdess by Phenomenon, &c. Rich. Adams. 

Marcia, gr m by Archduke, dam Celerrima by Celer. 1810. J. 
Tayloe. 

Maria Antoinette, g f by Andrew, (by Sir Andrew,) dam by Wiley's 
Marok, g dam by Old Gallatin — imported Medley, &c. Geor- 
gia. Foaled, 1831. C. A. Redd. 
Archy, b f by Old Sir Archy, dam by imported Diomede — Old 
Gimcrack, (alias Randolph's Roan.) Buckingham, Virginia, 
1816. Isaac Curd. 

Maria Louisa, by Pacolet, dam Letitia by Truxton — Gallatin, &c. 
Tennessee. A. Shelby. 

Maggy Slamerkin, (Old,) by imported Wildair, dam Delancey's Cub 
Mare. (Wildair and Cub mare were imported together.) Col. 
Delancey. 

Maria, b m by Sir Archy, dam Fornlorn Hope. Sold E. Parker, 
Pa. H. Macklin. 
b f by Monsieur Tonson, dam Eliza by Timoleon. North Caro- 
lina, 1829. J. W. Jeffries. 

Mary Grey, g m by Amie's Sir Archy, dam by Old Bellair — Shark, 
Aristotle, &c. Alabama. Levi Gist. 
King, g m by Muckle John, dam by Quicksilver, and he by import- 
ed Medley. Georgia, 1825. Charles A. Redd. 
Mary, b f by Coeur de Lion, dam Fanny Foster, &c. 1809. 
ch f by Sir Archy, dam by Francisco. Wm. Minge. 
Eldridge, ir gr by Napoleon 2d, dam by Pacolet, g dam by im- 
ported Sir Harry — imported Dare Devil, Bett and Macklin's 
Fearnought, &c. Pulaski, Tennessee. Geo. A. Glover. 
Robinson, b m by Sir Archy out of the imported Pot8os mare, &c. 
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, E. Parker. 

Marigold, ch m by Tom Tough, dam Hoskins' Sir Peter, g dam by 
imported Bedford — imported Dare Devil, Symmes' Wildair, &c. 

Marion, by Old Sir Archy, dam by Citizen — Alderman, Roebuck, 
out of a Herod mare. Halifax, North Carolina, 1830. B. S. 
Long. 

Mark Time, b by Ar. Bagdad, dam by imported Spread Eagle — 
Quicksilver, (by Hart's Medley,) &c. 

Mark Anthony, imported, by Spectator, dam Rachel by Bland — Re- 
gulus, Soreheels, Makeless, Dr. Arcy's royal mare, &c. Foal- 
ed, 1767. Stood in Virginia. 



278 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Mark Anthony, (Randolph's) bro h by Sir Archy, dam Roanoake. 
1826. J. Randolph. 

Marlborough, by Thornton's Rattler, dam Young Red Eye, g dam 
by imported Bedford — imported Gasteria, &c. 

Marmaluke, b f by imported Venetian, dam Magg Lauder. Rose 
Hill, Maryland. Thos. A. Foreman. 

Marshal Ney, dap gr by Pacolet, dam Virginia by Dare Devil. 

Marmion, by Virginian, dam by Sir Archy — Cotton's Phenomenon, 
(he by imported Restless) — Whirligig by imported Whirligig, 
&c. 1825. 

Marshal Duroc, by Old Duroc, dam Maid of the Oaks. 1812. Bela 
Badger. 
Ney, by American Eclipse, dam Diana by First Consul. Elkton, 
Maryland, 1828. Samuel Hollings worth. 

Mars, r h by Mountaineer, dam Camilla by Peace Maker, &c. Al- 
bemarle, 1829. Walter Coles. 

Matilda, g m by imported Jonah, dam by Gray Diomede, Whistle 
Jacket, &c. 1810. D. W. Sumner. 

Mary Dacre, bl f by imported Valentine, dam Wright's Selima. — 
1829. 

Medley, imported, gr h by Gimcrack, he by Cripple, &c. ; dam of 

Medley was Arminda by Snap, &c. Foaled, 1776. Hanover 

Court House, Virginia, 1785. Malcomb Hart. 

gr c by Sir Hal, dam Old Reality. 1824. W. R. Johnson. 

(Thompson's,) by imported Medley, dam by imported Aristotle, g 

dam by Fearnought, &c. Stood in Scott county, Kentucky, 1803. 

Medora, ch f by Rattler, dam Sportmistress by Old Hickory, out of 
Miller's Damsel, &c. Butler Coles. 

Meg Dodds, br m by Sir Archy, dam Black Ghost by imported 
Oscar, &c. Nansimond, Virginia. J. G. Green. 

Mele Mele, by Virginian, dam Lady Burton, 1826. 

Melpomone, by Burwell's Traveller, dam Virginia by Old Mark An- 
thony, g dam Polly Byrd, &c. 

Merryfellow, b c by W. R. Johnson's Byron, dam the dam of Ca- 
milla, &c. King and Queen, Virginia, 1831. H. Campbell. 

Merry Gold, b f by imported Barefoot, dam Meg Dodds. New Jer- 
sey, 1831. W. Gibbons. 

Messenger, imported, gr h by Mambrino, dam by Turf, g dam by 
Regulus out of a sister of Figurant by Sterling, out of the Fox 
mare, the dam of Snap,&c. Foaled, 1780, C. W. Van Ranst. 
Duroc, dk ch by Duroc, dam Vincenta by imported Messenger — 
imported Slender — imported Lath, &c. New York, 1790. E. 
and A. Stephens. 

Midas, by American Eclipse, dam by Sir Robin, (he by imported 
Robin Redbreast,) g dam by Dare Devil, imported Shark, Apollo, 
&c. 1828. Wm. Towndes. 

Miller's Damsel, by imported Messenger — dam the English Pot8os 
mare by Eclipse. 
Maid, full sister to American Eclipse. 1820. C. W, Van Ranst. 

Mink, b f by Roanoake, dam Cut Leggs. 1829. J. Randolph. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 279 

Mendoza, imported, b h got by Javelin — Paymaster, Pamona by 

King Herod, Snap, Regulus, &c. Foaled, 1808, Petersburg, 

Virginia. Dunlop. 

Miss Fortune, by American Eclipse, dam the dam of Maryland 

Eclipse, &c. J. Sewall. 
Serab, b f by imported Serab, dam Agnus, by Sir Solomon, &c. 

1830. 
Midway, ch m by Kosciusko, dam Ruth by Big Ben, Psyche, &c. 

B. F. Taylor. 
Money Maker, b f by Speculator, dam Milksop by Cosur de Lion. 

J. Hoomes. 
Pelham, b m by Virginian, dam Sugar by Constitution, g dam by 

imported Dragon, Atalanta, &c. James Bleik. 
Pone, ch f by Dare Devil, dam Milksop by Caeur de Lion, &c. 

1806. J. Hoomes. 
Peyton, gr m by Gracchus, dam Telegraph by Old Wildair, &c. 

1812. 
Ryland, g m by Gracchus, dam Duetta by Silvertail — Vanity by 

Celer, &c. 1813. J. Randolph. 
Tudor, b m by Hyperion, dam Logania by Medley, &c. 1808. 

J. Randolph. 
Modesty, by Hall's Union, dam Madge, (by Galloway's Selim,}gdam 

an imported mare by Spot, &c. Benjamin Lowndes, 
ch m by Ridgley's Tuckahoe, dam Dairy Maid. 
Moggy, b m by Defiance, dam by Old Messenger. 1820. 
Molly Fisher, b m by Janus, dam Gemima by Bedford, g dam im- 
ported Rachel by Drone. 1814. Gen. W. Hampton. 
Molton Mare, light b by Molton — Fleetwood, imported Bashaw, im- 
ported Jolly Roger, Starling, &c. out of a thorough-bred English 

mare. 
Monsieur Tonson, (or Sir John,) by Pacolet, (by Citizen,) dam by 

Topgallant, g dam by Gray Medley, imported Oscar, imported 

Fearnought, &c. Thos. Watson. 
Monkey, imported, by the Lonsdale Arabian — Curwen's Bay Barb, 

Byerly Turk. (This horse was 22 years old when imported, and 

stood in Virginia and North Carolina, and got some fine colts.) 
Morgiana, bl f by Sir Archy, dam by Sir Hal. J. S. Garrison. 
Morgan Rattler, b h by Rattler, dam Iris. 1823. J. Lewis. 
Mountain Leader, ch s h by Old Wildair, dam a Mousetrap mare. 

Chesterfield, 1803. Caleb Boush. 
Mountaineer, by Spread Eagle, dam Spot by Bedford, &c, William 

Dandridge. 
ch s h by Old Peacemaker, dam Jane by Knowsley. 1822. W, 

Coles. 
Moscow, c c by American Eclipse, dam Die Vernon by Old Florizelle, 

&c. Yonkers, N. Y. 1826. W. Lyles. 
Mousetrap, or Jack Rap, imported, ch h by Young Marske out of 

Gentle Kitty by Silvio, Dorimond — Portia by Regulus, Hutton's 

Spot, Fox, Cub, &c. Foaled, 1787. North Carolina, 1793. 
Murat, ch c by Old Madison, dam Maria Archy. 1826. 



280 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Murdoch, by Sir Charles, dam gr m by Bedford, her dam by Old 
Wildair. Chesterfield, Virginia, 1830. Charles Graves. 

Myrtilla, br f by Marvlander, dam Desdemona by Miner's Escape. 
Foaleo 1 , 1828, Dr. Crawford. 

Nameless, imported, b m by Felho da Puta, by Haphazard, out of 
Miss Barnet, her dam Rosetta by Young Woodpecker — Dun- 
gannon, Justice, &c. Foaled, 1825, Imported, 1829. N. Y. 
Chas. Green. 

Nancy, b f by Spread Eagle, dam 

b m by Ball's Florizelle, dam the Bedford mare Spot. 1814. 

Walter Coles. 
Air, by imported Bedford, dam Annette by Old Shark, g dam by 
Rockingham, Gallant, &c. Foaled, 1799. Died, 1822. James 
B. Richardson. 
Coleman, by Young Fearnought, dam Latonia by Old Partner, gr 
dam by imported Jolly Roger, &c. 1806. J. Verrell. 

Napoleon, br b by imported Diomede, dam by Eclipse, g dam by 
Mercury, &c. 1808. H. Cheshire. 

Narcissa, by imported Shark, dam Rosetta by Wilkins' Centinel — 
Diana by Claudius, &c. J. J. Harrison. 

Nelly Sparks, br m by Bertrand, dam by Whip, (by imported Whip,) 
Bompard, &c. Kentucky, 1828. Edward M. Blackburn. 

Nell Gwynn, ch f by Thornton's Rattler, dam Vixen by [Trafalgar. 
Saunders, ch m by Wonder, dam by imported Dare Devil — im- 
ported Centinel, &c. 

Nettle, ch m by Wildair, dam Desdemona. Dr. E. A. Darcy. 

Nettletop, by imported Spread Eagle, dam by Sharks — Old Janus, &c. 
out of a thorough-bred mare, 
ch m by Trafalgar, by imported Mufti, dam Nettletop by Spread 
Eagle, &c. L. Berkley. 

Nerissa, b f by Roanoake, dam Jessica by Shylock. 1825. John 
Randolph. 

Nicholas, imported, got by Saint Nicholas, dam Miss Rose. Foaled, 
1833. R. D. Shepherd. 

Ney, b h by Mountaineer, dam Lady Eagle. 1827. Walter Coles. 

Netty, imported, ch m got by Velocipede, dam Miss Rose. Foaled, 
1831. R. D. Shepherd. 

Nonplus, imported b h got by Catton, dam Miss Garforth by Walton, 
Hyacinthus, &c. Foaled, 1824. South Carolina. Richard 
Singleton. 

Nightingale, by Chanticleer, dam Winguryfeet, (by Jolly Roger,) g 
dam Melpomone by Burwell's Traveller. 

Nili, bl m by Black and All Black, dam by Careless — Augustus, Pil- 
grim, Fearnought, &c. Tennessee. H. Baldwin, jun. 

Nimrod, ch c by Baylor's Fearnought, out of a Partner mare — im- 
ported Janus — imported Jolly Roger. Williamsburg, Virginia, 
1775. Richard Taliaferro. 

Noli Me Tangere, by Richmond, dam Noli Me Tangere by Topgal- 
lant. 1800, Dr. Thornton. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER, 281 

Oakley, ch c by Crusader, clam Josephine by Bedford. South Caro- 
lina, 1829. J. J. Moore. 

Oceana, b f by Bagdad, dam Florida by Conqueror— Rosemary, 
(SouthalFs mare,) by Diomede — Celia by Wildair. 1827. J. 
Southall. 

Octavia, b f by Rockingham, dam Frederiea by Escape. C. Tayloe, 

Ocean, eh c by Timoleon, dam Anna by Truxton. Tennessee, 1828. 

Orange, b m by Cooper's Messenger, dam by Slasher, (he by Mes- 
senger,) g dam bred by General Green, of Philadelphia, out of a 
Virginia bred mare, &c. 

Orelia, b h by Pacolet, dam by Truxton, g dam Dr. Butler's Rosella 
by imported Mendoza, &c. 

Orphan Boy, b h by Am. Eclipse, dam Maid of the Oaks, &c. Bath- 
gate &, Purdy. 

Orphan, b c by Cormorant, dam Darlington mare by Darlington. 

Onea, br f by Pacotaligo, dam Virginia (Coquette.) 1821. 

Opossum, g m by Shark, dam by Old Twig — g dam by imported 
Fearnought — 'Jolly Roger, &c. Mark Alexander. 

Opernico, b h by imported Medley, dam by Lindsay's Arabian, g 
dam by imported Oscar, &c. New Castle, Virginia, 1797. 
Nicholas Symme. 

Oscar, imported, a deep sorrel, by Young Snip, dam by Lord Mor- 
ton's Arabian, g dam by Old Crab, g g dam by the Bald Gallo- 
way, &c. Cumberland county, Virginia, 1777. Wm. Gay. 
(Ogle's,) b h by imported Gabriel, dam Vixen by Old Medley, g 

dam Penelope by Yorick, &c. Bellair, Maryland, 1800, 
Jun. by Ogle's Oscar, dam Edelin's Floretta by imported Spread 

Eagle, &c. Carlisle, Pa. 1822. 
Young, b h by Tuckahoe, dam by Ogle's Oscar, g dam by Medley, 

Cub, Tamerlane, &c. Maryland, 1824. Charles Ridgley. 
Ir gr by Roanoake, dam Lady Eagle. 1829. Walter Coles. 

Otho, dk b h by imported Shock, imported Morton's Traveller, im- 
ported Justice, imported Juniper, imported Othello, imported 
Childers, out of a thorough-bred mare purchased from the stud 
of King George II. Foaled, 1765. George Branham. 

Othello, or Black and All Black, imported, a beautiful black, got by 
Portmore's Crab, out of the Duke of Somerset's favorite mare, 
Miss Slamerkin, &c. Foaled, 1743. Imported, 1755-6, Gov. 
Sharpe, (Maryland.) 

Packingham, by Florizelle, dam by Magog, g dam by Fiimnap — 
Mark Anthony, &c. 

Pacific, b h by Sir Archy, dam Eliza, (full sister of Gallatin,) by 
imported Bedford out of imported Mambrino, &c. Nashville, 
Tennessee. D. W. Sumner. 

Pacolet Mare, imported, by Pacolet, dam Whiteneek by Crab — Go- 
dolphin Arabian — Conyer's Arabian, &c. Imported into Penn- 
sylvania. Hiltzheimer. 
by Pacolet, dam by Dragon, g dam by Truxton — Bompard — Pill» 
garlick, &c. Tennessee, 1824. Reuben Cage. 
19 



2$2 

Pacolet, by Old Pacolet, dam by Albrack, (by Truxton.) St, Louis- 
Mobile. B. McMenomy. 
(Old,) by imported Citizen, dam by Tippoo Saib, (the dam of Pa- 
lafox by Old Diomede, Wilkes' Wonder, &c.) Died, 1825,, 
aged seventeen years. Sumner county, Tennessee. 6. Elliott. 

Parrot, b f by Roanoake, dam Paroquet. 1811. J. Randolph. 

Paroquet, b f by imported Merryfield, dam Popinjay, Bourbon's dam. 
1819. J. Randolph, 

Partner, imported, b' h by the Duke of Hamilton's Figure, Old 
Figure, Standard, &c. Partner's dam was Britannia, full sister 
of Col. Hopper's Pacolet, g dam Queen Mab, &c» Hanover.. 
Morris county. John Blanchard. 
(Moore's J imported, by Croft's Partner, dam (sister to Starling,) 
by Bay Bolton, son of the Brownlow Turk by the Pulliam Ara- 
bian, &c. J. Randolph. 

Paragon, g h by Spread Eagle, dam by Bellair out of Andrew Meade's 
Oracle. 1808. Ralph Wormley.. 

Paul, imported, ch fifteen hands high, by Saltram, dam Virago by 
Snap, Paul's dam Purity by Matchem, g dam the Old Squirt 
mare. Powhatan, Virginia, 1807. Thomas Harris, Jun. 

Peacock, (Young's,) by imported Citizen — imported Sterling — im- 
ported Mousetrap, &c. 
(Randolph's,) b eby Roanoake, dam Roanoaka. 1828. 

Peacemaker, dk b h by imported Diomede, dam Poll by Young Black 
and All Black, out of a Mercury mare, g dam Nanny by Black 
and All Black, g g dam by imported Oscar — Old Partner, &c. 
1807. J. Tayloe. 

Peggy, (Young,) ch m by Gallatin, dam Trumpetta by Hephestion, g 
dam Peggy by Bedford. Kentucky. E. Warfield. 
ch m by imported Bedford, dam imported Peggy. 1803. Wade 
Hampton. 

Peggy Madee, gr f by Sir Hal, dam Fair Rosamond, &c. 1823. 

Pennsylvania Farmer, by Partner out of a full-bred mare. 1775., 
J. Tayloe. 
Mare, by Pennsylvania Farmer, dam by Pegasus, g dam by Bolton* 
&c. J. Hoomes. 

Pey Eye, b c by Bedford, dam Milksop, &c. 1804. 

Phenomenon, or Big Ben, by imported Wonder, dam by Dare Devil, 
&c. J. Mayo, 
b h by Roanoake, dam Young Frenzy. 1824. John Randolph. 

Phenomena, b f by Sir Archy, dam Lottery by Bedford, &c. 1827. 
R. Singleton. 

Phoebe, by Bright Phoebus, (full brother of Miller's Damsel,) dam by 
Republican President, (he by Cragg's Higflyer,) g dam by Lind- 
say's Arabian — imported Ranger, &c. 

Philadelphia, imported, b m by Washington, dam Miss Totteridge by 
Dungannon — Marcella by Mambrino — Media by Sweetbrier — 
Angelica by Snap, &c. 1808. J. Randolph. 

Phillis, by Fearnought, dam a celebrated mare of Col, Baylor's, got 
by imported Sober John, &c. 






THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 28B 

Phillis, ch f full sister to Gohanna. 1821. John M. Botts. 

by Old Topgallant, dam by Grey Diomede, g dam also by Grey 
Diomede, out of a thorough-bred mare. 1811. Geo. Chicester. 

Picture, by imported Shark, dam by Sweet Larry, by Spadille— - 
Janus, <fcc. 

Pocahontas, b f by Randolph's Janus, out of the dam of Powhatan, 
by Topgallant, dam Pocahontas by Vintzun. Gov, Wright. 
b m by Sir Archy, dam Young Lottery, (by Sir Archy,) out of 
Lottery — Bedford, out of imported Anvelina. 1819. R. Sin- 
gleton. 

Porcupine, ch by imported Diomede, dam Diana by Claudius. 1804, 
Wm. E. Broadnax. 

Portia, b m by Clipper, (a son of Old Messenger,) her dam the dam 
of Moggy by Defiance, 
b f by Shy lock, dam Jessica. 1825. J. Randolph. 

Post Boy, by Gabriel, dam by Hyder Ally, g dam by the Old Grey 
Arabian, g g dam by Ariel — Othello, &c. Ridgley. 

Potomac, b h by imported Diomede, dam by Pegasus, &c. Meek- 
lenburg, Virginia, 1804. Rich. Dennis. 

Pot8os, by Old Medley, dam by Conductor, g dam by Celer, &c. 
Mare, imported, was got by Eclipse, dam by Gimcrack, &c. — ■ 
Foaled, 1792. Wm. Constable. 

Powhatan, by Oscar, (he by Assiduous,) dam a Bashaw mare. Spot- 
sylvania county, Virginia. John Holliday. 

Powwancy, by Sir Alfred, dam Virgo by imported Young Sir Peter 
Teazle, g dam Castianira. 

Precipitate, imported, a sorrel horse, fifteen and a-half hands high, 
bred by the Earl of Egremont, got by Mercury, dam by Herod, 
g dam by Matchem, out of Mr. Pratt's Old Squirt mare, &c. 
Foaled, 1787. Imported, 1804. Wm. Lightfoot. 

Prestley, by Chanticleer, dam Camilla by Wildair, g dam Minerva 
by Obscurity, &c. 

President, by Old Celer, dam by Mark Anthony out of Bonny Lass. 
dap gr by imported Clockfast, dam Haines' Old Poll by Fear- 
nought — Moore's Partner, &c. Dinwiddie county, Virginia, 
1796. Drury Jones. 

Primrose, (Dr. Stockett's,) by Grey Medley, dam by Apollo, g dam 
by imported Granby — Hamilton's Figure, &c. 

Prince Frederick, imported, a bay fifteen and a-half hands high, was 
got by Fortunio by Flororet, dam by Lexicon, g dam by Sports- 
man, g g dam Golden Locks by Oronooko — Valiant, &c. Bos- 
ton, 1798. Edw. Davis. 
Edward, ch by Muckle John out of a Whip mare, &c. Georgia, 
1828. C. A. Rudd. 

Promise, imported, ch m by Buzzard out of a Precipitate mare, the 
dam of Wizard, her dam out of Lady Harriet by Mark Anthony, 
&c. Wm. Haxall. 
b m by (Tennessee,) Oscar, dam by Pacolet, second Diomede by 
imported Diomede — Wildair, &c. Tennessee, 1823. J. C. 
Guild. 



284 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Psyche, imported, gr m by Sir Peter Teazle, dam Bab by Bordeaux, 
out of Speranza, own sister to Saltram by Eclipse — Snap, &e. 
Imported by Gen. McPherson. South Carolina. Foaled, 1802. 

Punch, imported, got by King Herod, dam by Old Marske — Cullen 
Arabian — Black Eyes by Regulus — Crab- — Warlock— Gallo- 
way, <fcc. 1799. Wm. Powers. 

Punchinella, imported, by Punch, dam Craig's Highflyer by High- 
flyer of Tattersalt's, g dam by Galloway's Selim, &c. Wash- 
ington City, 1808. Wm. Thornton. 

Purity, gr m by Sir Archy, dam by Bedford, g dam (dam of Trifle) 
by Bellair— Shark— Wildair, &c. Foaled, 1827. Chas. Botts 
and T. Lawson. 

Pulaski, ch h by Virginian, dam Constitution (by Diomede,) g dam 
the dam of Lady Lagrange by imported Dragon, Bet Bounce, 
&c. Thomas S. Goodrum. 

Rabbi, g c by Winter's Arabian, dam by one of the best sons of 
Hambletonian, g dam by Spread Eagle. Alabama. J. & A. 
Gist. 

Rachel Foster, gr m by Virginian, dam by Palafox — Betty Mufti by 
imported Mufti, &c. 

Raffle, ch m by Bellair, out of a full sister to Narcissa. 1798. S. 
Tyler. 

Randolph, gr c by Rinaldo, dam (Ridgley's) Ophelia by little Medley, 
&c. 

Ranger, imported, a Milk White horse got by Regulus, (son of Go- 
dolphin Arabian,) his dam by Mercury, Andrew, her dam by 
Steady, &c. (Unsuccessful in racing.) Dr. Hamilton. 
b c by Roanoake, dam Never Tire. John Randolph. 

Ranter, imported, b foaled, 1755, got by Dimple, (son of the Godol- 
phin Arabian,) dam by Crab out of Bloody Buttocks, &c, Im- 
ported in 1762, and stood in Stafford county, Virginia, in 1763. 

Rasselas, by Sir Archy, dam by imported Play or Pay, g dam by 
Bellair, imported Pantaloon, &c. 1823. 

Rattler, or (Rattle,) by imported Shark, dam Lady Leggs, (the dam of 
Collector,) by Centinel — imported Fearnought and imported 

mare, &c. North Carolina. Foaled, 1796. Bignell. 

ch h by Rattler, (by Sir Archy,) dam by Old Prize Fighter, g dam 
Luff borough's Spread Eagle Mare. Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 
1829. Edward Parker. 

Ratray, by imported Clifden, dam by Fitzpartner out of Ariminna 
by Brimmer. 

Rapley, gr c by Bassino, dam Clio by imported Whip. Gen. Tay- 
lor, (Georgia.) 

Rappahannock, by Richmond, dam by Sir Alfred, g dam by Sey- 
mour's Spread Eagle, Pantaloon, &c. Pennsylvania, 1830. 

Ravenswood, dk b h by Sir Harry, dam Duchess by Grouse, 1815. 
J. Randolph. 

Reality, by Sir Archy, dam by Medley, g dam by Centinel, Mark 
Anthony, Janus, &c. 



285 

Recruit, eh by imported Sterling, dam Citizen by Wildair, gr dam 
Minerva by Obscurity, g g dam Diana by Claudius, &c. Hick- 
ory Hill, 1807. Samuel Marshall. 

Red Fox, by Virginian, dam by imported Knowsley. 

Reform, br h by Marylander, (by Thornton's Rattler,) dam by Rich- 
mond — Ogle's Oscar— Grey Diomede — Hall's Union — Leoni- 
das, &c. Prince George county, Maryland. Geo. Simms. 

Regulus, (L. BurwelFs,) imported, got by Regulus, (a son of the 
Godolphin Arabian,) he was half brother to Bald Partner by 
Smiling Tom out of a Partner mare, her dam by Cupid—Haut- 
boy — -Bustler, &c. Foaled, 1747. 

Reindeer, b c by Arab, dam by Marske, &c. 1827. J. J. Har- 
rison. 

Renovator, g c by Chichester's Brilliant, dam Indiana by Florizelle. 
1831. H. A. Tayloe. 

Republican, by True Whig, dam Young Selima, sister to the noted 
Chatam, &c. William Brent 

Republican President, by imported Highflyer, dam by imported Ve- 
netian — Don Carlos — imported Ranger — imported Dove, &c. 
1805. Isaac Duckett. 

Revenge, ch c by Florizelle, dam Britannia. 1812. J. Tayloe. 

Rhodian, gr m by Ragland's Diomede, Quicksilver, imported Panta- 
loon, imported Fearnought, &c. Halifax county, 1816. Ro- 
bert Easley. 

Rhea, by Chatam, dam by Eclipse, (who was the sire of Brimmer, 
&c.) g dam by imported Shark, g g dam by imported Silver 
Eye. 

Richmond, ch c by Ball's Florizelle, dam Chesnut mare by Dio- 
mede, &c. Sold to Dr. Thornton. 1812. J. Wickham. 

Riego, bl h by Francisco, dam by imported Sir Peter Teazle, g dam 
imported Castianira. Hector Davis. 

Rinaldini, ch c by Baronet, dam Temptation by Heath's Childers,, 
&c. 1804. Thos. M. Forman. 

Roan Colt, imported, got by Sir Peter Teazle, dam by Mercury, g 
dam Cytherea by Herod, g g dam by Blank, &c. Foaled, 1802, 
Imported by John McPherson. 

Roanoake, b h by Sir Archy, dam Lady Bunbury by Trumpeter, &c„ 
1817. J. Randolph. 

Roanoaka, ch f by Ball's Florizelle, dam Cornelia by Chanticleer — 
Vanity by Celer, &c. 1815. J. Randolph. 

Roebuck, by Sweeper, (son of Beaver's great Driver,) dam by im- 
ported Bajazett. 
by Roebuck, (who was got by Powell's Selim, a son of Old Selim,) 
dam of Young Roebuck by imported Druid, Shark, Figure, 
Mark Anthony, &c. Bremo. Foaled, 1810. John H. Cocke, 
Sen. 

Rob Roy, ch h by Gracchus, dam imported Lady Bunbury. John 
Randolph. 

Robin Adair, by Sir Archy, dam Lady Burton by Sir Archy. Dr. 
Wm. Terrell, (Geo.) 



286 

Robin Redbreast, imported, b h by Sir Peter Teazle, his dam Wren 
by Woodpecker out of Papillon by Snap, (the dam of Sir Peter 
Teazle,) Woodpecker by Herod, Sir Peter by Highflyer, Herod, 
&c. Foaled, 1796, Virginia, 1800. 

Roderick, by Dare Devil, dam by Bellair, g dam by Wildair. 1808. 
John Thornton. 

Roman, imported, b h got by Camillus, dam by Eagle, g dam by 
Trumpeter, g g dam by Highflyer, g g g dam by Snap out of 
Miss Cleveland by Regulus, &c. Imported into New York, 
1823. S. Williams, 

Rosalba, b f by Spread Eagle, dam Alexandria. 1801. J. Hoomes, 

Rosabella, ch m by Topgallant, dam by imported Play or Pay, g dam 
by Old Bellair — imported Pantaloon — Janus, &c. Southamp- 
ton county, Va. 1819. James Rochelle. 

Rosalinda, gr m by Tayloe's Oscar, dam by imported Expedition — ■ 
imported Grey Highlander, imported Traveller, &c. N. Jersey. 
Jacob Vandyke. 

Rosamunda, b f by Bedford, dam Gasteria. 1804. J. Hoomes. • 

Rosemary, by imported Diomede, dam Celia by Old Wildair, g dam 
Lady Bolingbroke, &c. 

Rosicrucion, b c by Dragon, dam imported Anvelina. 1803. J. B. 
Richardson. 

Rosy Clack, by imported Saltram, dam Camilla by Wildair, 

Rosy Carey, by Sir Archy, dam Sally Jones by imported Wrangler. 

Rosella,bm by Obscurity, dam Maggy Lauder. 1817. T. M.Forman. 

Rowena, br m full sister to Lafayette by Virginian. 

Roxalana, gr f by Selim, (the Arabian,) dam Britannia by Pegasus, 
&c. 1806. J. Tayloe. 

Royalist, imported b h by Saltram, dam by King Herod, g dam by 
Marske — Blank, Dizzley Driver, Smiling Tom, &c. Foaled, 
1790. Died in Tennessee, aged twenty-four. 

Royal Oak, bl h by imported Othello, (or Black and All Black.) 
His dam was Dr. Maglather's Lovelace by Flying Guilders, 
near the city of Anopolis, his gr dam an imported mare by 
Bosphorus, <fec. Salem county, N. J., 1777. William Riddle, 

Rusty Robin, c by Diomede, dam by Shark, g dam Black Eyed Su- 
san, &c. Thos. Goode. 

Ruler Mare, imported by Ruler, dam by Turk, (he by Regulus,) g 
dam by Snake, &c. 

Ryland, b c by Roanoake, dam Miss Ryland. 1824. J.Randolph. 

Sarpadon, imported br c got by Emilius, dam Icaria by the Flyer — 
Parma by Dick Andrews, &c. Foaled, 1828. Va. Meritt, 
Townes & Avery. 

Sally Baronet, by Dungannon, dam by Michau's Celer, g dam by 
Celer, Old Fearnought, <fec. 
Hope, ch f by Sir Archy, dam a bay mare imported by Dunlop of 
Petersburg, was by Chance, and was own sister to Grimalkin, 
that was sold to the Emperor of Austria Jbr $7,933, her gr dam 
by Phenomenon, &c. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. HS7 

BaWy Hill, dk ch m by Trafalgar, dam Musidora by imported Arch- 
duke, g dam Proserpine by imported Dare Devil, <fcc. 1818. 
C. B. Berkely. 
Maree, b m by Carolinian, dam by Jack Andrews — imported Drive, 

Highflyer, &c. 
Saltram, imported dk b h fifteen hands three inches high, (was near 

twenty years old when imported,) was got by Eclipse, his dam 

Virago by Snap, g dam by Regulus out of own sister to Black 

and All Black, sire of Tuting's Polly, &c. Foaled, 1780.— 

William Lightfoot. 
Saltram, by Sterling, dam Marcia by Shark. 1800. Alexander 

Spotswood. 
Saladin, b c by Crusader, dam Onea by Dockon. 1830. James 

Ferguson. 
Salvador, by Singleton's Ganymede, dam Clio by imported Whip, g 

dam Sultana by Spread Eagle, &c. 
Sambo, ch c by Sir Archy, dam by imported Buzzard, g dam im- 
ported Symmetry by Trumpeter. 
Sam Patch, by Rob Roy, dam by Telegraph, g dam by Oscar, g gr 

dam Ridgley's Primrose. 1826. 
Sans Culotte, ch s by Old Celer, dam Logania by imported Medley, 

&c. Charlotte county, 1802. Stephen Davis. 
Satellite, by Citizen, dam an imported mare by Waxy, imported by 

Col. Bland of Prince George county. 
Saucy Pat, f by Cormorant, dam Minerva. Eagle's Nest, 1803.— 

B. Grymes. 
fScarious, by Roanoake, dam Miss Peyton. 1829. J. Randolph. 
Sea Gull, imported by Woodpecker, dam Middlesex by Snap — Miss 

Cleveland by Regulus out of Midge, &c. Foaled, 1786. 

Bush. 
Selah, dap grby Bussora Arabian, dam by imported Messenger out 

of a full bred mare. C. W. Van Ranst. 
Selima, by Topgallant, dam Jack Bull by Gabriel. T. Murphy. 
-Serab, imported by Phantom out of Jessee, by Totteridge, &c. — -her 

dam Cracker by Highflyer, out of Nutcracker by Matchem. — 

Foaled, 1821. Sold in England for $14,000. S. ■& I. Coffin. 
Shark, imported, a dk br b by Marshe, his dam by Shafton's Snap, 

g dam by Marlborough, (brother to Babraham,) out of a natural 

Barb mare. Foaled, 1771. Nottingham near Fredericksburg, 

Virginia, 1767. A. Spotswood. 
bl c by American Eclipse, dam Lady Lightfoot. 1830. 
Shakspeare, dk br h by Baylor's Fearnought, dam Stella by Othello, 

&c. 1777. Robert Baylor, 
dap gr h by Baylor's Fearnought, dam imported, was by Cub, a 

son of Old Fox, (fee. Northumberland, Virginia, 1776. P. P. 

Thornton, 
b h by Virginian, dam by Shenandoah, by Potomac. 
Shawnee, by Tecumseh, dam by Citizen, full sister of the dam of 

Marion. 



288 THE 

Shenandoah, by Potomac, dam HilPs bay mare by imported Febri- 
fuge — Grey Diomede, Wildair, &e. 
gr c by Pilgrim, dam Swan by imported Eagle. 1828. Johrc 
Randolph. 
Shepherdess, bl m by Sweeper, (by Hamilton's Figure,) dam by 
Tasker's Othello— Morton's Traveller, &e. 1829. T. J. 
Hanson. 
Sicli Hamet, br b by Virginian, dam Lady Burton by Sir Archy, &c. 

Foaled, 1825." S. Davenport. 

Signora, b f by Roanoake, dam Miss Peyton. 1824. J. Randolph. 

Silver, imported dap gr by Mercury, (who was by Eclipse,) dam by 

Herod, g dam Young Hag by Skim, Crab, Childera, Basto, &c 

(did not succeed as a stallion.) John Drew. 

by John Richards, dam by Sir Solomon, g dam Trumpeter. N. X 

1828. J, Davison, 
by Jolly Friar, Whitacre's Mark Anthony, Lee's Old Mark An- 
thony, Spadille, imported mare» 
Silver Tail, by imported Clockfast, dam Young Primrose by Worm- 
ley's King Herod, <fcc. 
by Sir Archy, dam Coquette. 1829. Thomas Branch. 
Sir Archy, or Robert Burns, b h by Old Diomede, dam imported 
Castianira. J. Tayloe. 
Archy, jun. b h by Sir Archy, dam by Albemarle, (son of Dio- 
mede,) out of Penelope by Shark. 
Archy, b h by Sir Archy, dam Transport by Virginius, &c. Ken- 
tucky, William Dickey. 
Andrew, gr by Marske, (by Old Diomede, ) dam Virago by im- 
ported Whip, Partner, &c. . Georgia, 1816. John Thomas. 
Andrew, bl c by Thomas' Sir Andrew, dam Black Eyed Susan 

by Potomac. 1826. 
Arthur, by Sir Archy, (Old,) dam Green's Old Celer Mare, &c. — 

W. R, Johnson, 
Bolingbroke, by Seidell's Old Superior, dam by Hyde's imported 

Pretender, Highflyer, Shark, &c. H. CampbelL 
Richard, gr h full brother to Monsieur Tonson by Pacolet, &c— = ■■ 

Tennessee, 1830. Thomas Forall. 
Solomon, by imported Tickle Toby, dam Vesta by Dreadnought? 

Clockfast, &c. Died, 1829. 1805. James Maeklin. 
William, by Amazon, dam Black Eyed Susan by Potomac, &c. 
William, ch h (Clay's) by Sir Archy, dam by Bellair, g dam by 

Pilgrim, &c. L. Long. 
William, by Sir Archy, dam Transport by Virginius, &c. J. B, 
Richardson. 
Simon Pure, bl h by Sir Archy, dam Philadelphia. J. Randolph. 
Skim, (alias Farmer, or Lord Portmore's Skim,) imported, gr by 
Starling out of Miss Mayes by Bartlet's Childers. Foaled, 
1746. 
Sky Leaper, br b by Sir James, dam Vixen by Trafalgar, — — 

Aliens. 
Slamerkin, (See Maria Slamerkin and Maggy Slamerkin.) 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 289 

Slender, imported b by King Herod, dam Rachel by Blank, g dam 

by Regulus, Sore Heels by Basto, Makeless, &c. Foaled, 1799. 

Sans Souci, N. Y. 
Slim, imported, a dk ch by Wild man's Babraham, dam by Roger's 

Babraham, g dam by Sedbnry out of Ebony, &c. Marcus 

Hook, N. Y. 1775. A. Dick. 
Sloven, imported, bl h foaled, 1756, by Cub, dam by Bolton Sterling, 

Godolphin Arabian, Bonny Black, &c. 
Smiling Tom, ch c by Cceur de Lion, dam Betsy Baker by imported 

Spark, &c. 1806, 
Snow Storm, b h by Contention, dam Roxana by Sir Harry, g dam 

by Saltram, Wildair, Fearnought, &c, Foaled, 1825. E. 

Warfield, (Kenty.) 
Soldier, ch c by Bedford, dam Raffle by Bellair. 1803. J. Hoomes. 

Sophy Winn, b m by Blackburn's Whip, dam by Buzzard, g dam 
by Columbus, Celer, &c. 1822, E. Warfield. 

Sourkrout, imported b by Highflyer, dam Juvell by Squirrell, Sophia 
by Blank, out of Lord Leigh's Diana by Second, &c. Foaled 
in 1786. Stood in Tennessee. 

Spark, imported, was imported by Gov. Ogle, and given to him by 
Lord Baltimore, who received him as a present from Frederick, 
Prince of Wales ; Spark's dam was Miss Colvill. 

Sportmistress, g m by Hickory, dam Miller's Damsel by Messenger, 
&c. Queen's county, N. Y., 1818. Thomas Pearsall. 

Spread Eagle, imported by Volunteer, (one of the best sons of 
Eclipse,) his dam by Highflyer, Engineer, Cade, Lass of the 
Mill by Old Traveller, Young Greyhound, &c. Foaled, 1792. 
Bowling Green, Va. J. Hoomes. 

Standard, b c by Sir Archy, dam an Archy mare. 1829. Wray 
& Simple. 

Star, imported dk b by Highflyer, dam by Snap, g dam by Riddle by 
Matchem. Foaled, 1785. Died, 1811. 

St. Paul, imported sor h got by Old Saltram, dam Purity by Match- 
em, Pratt's famous Squirt mare, &c. Foaled, 1789. Va. 1804. 
William Lightfoot. 

Shock, imported, got by Shock, Partner, Makeless, Brimmer, &c— 
Va., Caroline county. John Baylor. 

Sir Peter Teazle, imported, roan h got by Sir Peter Teazle — Mer- 
cury — Cythera by King Herod — Blank, &c. Foaled, 1802. — 
S. Carolina. Gen. John M'Pherson. 

Statira, imported, ch m by Alexander the Great, (sister to Lycurgus 
by Buzzard,) Rose by Sweetbrier — Merleton by Snap. Foaled, 
1809. J. Randolph. 

Sterne's Maria, by (Gibbs') Carlo, dam by Ridgley's Cincinnatus — 
L. Beard's Badger out of Black Snake, &c. 

Steuben, by Kosciusko, dam Irvina by Virginian — Pandora by Bell- 
air, &c. 1825. J.Ferguson. 

Storm, b c by Cormorant, dam Darlington mare by Darlington, <fec. 
1799. J. Hoomes. 



290 the farmer's complete farrier. 

St. George, imported, br b fifteen hands three inches high, foaled, 

1789, was got by Highflyer, dam by Eclipse — Miss Spindle 

Shanks by Oman — Godolphin Arabian, &c. 
St. Paul, imported, ch h by Saltram, dam Purity by Matchem, out of 

the Old Squirt mare. Foaled in 1791. Imported to Virginia, 

1804. Harris. 

Sting, by Jack Andrews, dam Marigold by Dungannon, out of a 

thorough-bred mare. 
Sterling, imported, b h by Volunteer, dam Harriet by Highflyer, g 

dam by Young Cade, g g dam Childerkin by Second, out of the 

dam of Old Snap, &c. Foaled, 1792. J. Hoomes. 
Imported, dap gr by the Belsize Arabian out of Mr. Simpson's 

Snake mare, she by Snake out of the Duke of Cumberland's 

famous mare, dam of Cato, &c. Foaled, 1762. Surry county, 

Va., 1768. William Evans. 
Strap, imported, b h by Bennington, dam by Highflyer — Tattler — 

Snip, &c. Foaled, 1800. North Carolina, 1808. H.Cotton. 
Stump the Dealer, by Old Diomede, dam by Shark. 1804. Thos. 

Hamlin. 
Sukey Tawdry, b f by imported Sterling, dam Nancy Medley. — 

King George, Va., 1800. Charles Stuart. 
Sultana, by Black Sultan, dam Barb mare. J. W. Eppes. 

by Spread Eagle, dam Orelia by Percy. S. Carolina. Richard 

A. Rapley. 
Sumpter, ch by Sir Archy, dam by Robin Redbreast, Own sister to 

the dam of Rattler, Flying Childers, &c. 
Superior, by (Cook's) Whip, dam a Union mare. Kentucky. E. 

M. Blackburn, 
b h by imported Diomede, dam Lady Bolingbroke. 1811. J. M. 

Selden. 
Surprise, by Old Sir Solomon, dam Potter's Oscar, Jun., by Ogle's 

Oscar, 
ch c by Americus, dam Calypso. Foaled, 1801. W. Alston. 
Susan, ch m by Bond's Sir Solomon, dam Columbia by imported 

Baronet, Old Cub, Partner, &c. 
Susan Favourite, gr m by Sir Hal, darn Wynne's Young Favourite 

by Bedford. 
Susanna, ch m by Multnomer, dam by imported Knowsley, g dam 

by Boxer, Symmes' Wildair, Old Janus. W. D. Taylor. 
Suwarrow, b by Columbus, dam by imported Venitian — imported 

Figure, Slamerkin by Wildair, &c. 
Sweeper, by imported Figure, dam by Tasker's Othello — Morton's 

Traveller, Tasker's Selima, &c. Prince George county, Mary- 
land, 1780. Joseph Pierce. 
Sweet Erin, ch f by American Eclipse, dam Maria Slamerkin, &c. 

New Jersey, 1829. Dr. E. A. Darcy. 
Sweetest when Naked, gr m by Tattersall's Highflyer in England, 

dam gr m Virago, imported by Mr. Hyde. (She was foaled in 

America, and bred by Alexander Spotswood.) 1817. J. Tay- 

loe. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 291 

Sylph, b cby Roanoake, dam Witch. 1828. J. Randolph. 
Syren, chf by Silver, dam Caroline by Eclipse. Tennessee, 1800. 
Symmetry, imported ch m bred by Lord Clermont, foaled, 1799, got 

by Trumpeter, dam Young Doxy by Imperator, g dam Old Doxy 

by King Herod. 

Tranby, imported br c got by Blacklock, his dam by Orville — Miss 
Grimstone by Weazle — Ancaster, &c. Foaled, 1826. Virginia, 
1835. J. J. Avery & Co. 

Take In, b c by Gracchus, dam Young Frenzy. 1823. John Ran- 
dolph. 

Tartar, g c by Winter Arabian, dam Young Buzzard mare. 

by Diomede, dam by Celer, g dam by imported Bay Richmond. 

Amelia, Va. James Hill, 
b c by Bedford, dam Atalanta by Dictator. Foaled, 1805. 

Tecumseh, by Sir Archy, dam the imported Gamenut mare out of 
Allegrante by Pegasus. A. J. Davie. 

Telegraph, imported br h by Sir Peter Teazle, dam Fame by Panta- 
loon out of the dam of Diomede by Spectator, &c. Foaled, 

1795. Baldock. 

b h by Lamplighter, dam by Old Wildair, g dam by Rockingham, 
&c. King William county, Va., 1800. Wm. Anderson. 

Telemachus, by Old Diomede, dam by imported Dare Devil, g dam 

by Commutation — Damon, <fcc. Brunswick, Va. Mer- 

ritt. 

Temptation, b by Heath's Childers, dam Maggy Lauder by imported 
Fearnought, &c. 1786. T. M. Forman. 

Terror, by Janus — Mark Anthony — out of an imported mare. 

br c by American Eclipse, dam Lady Lightfoot. 1829. 

Stephens. 

Thaddeus, by Ball's Florizelle, dam Dare Devil mare, g dam by Old 
Wildair, &c. Edm. Irby. 

Thalestris, gr f by Elliott's Jerry, dam Cornelia Bedford by the 
Duke of Bedford, &c. 

Thistle, by imported Dove, dam Stella by imported Othello, g d Task- 
er's Selima. 

Thor, b h by Diomede, dam by Wildair, g dam by Clockfast, &c. 
Philip Rogers. 

Tib, by Sir Archy, dam by Old Celer, g dam by Clodius, g g dam 
by imported Fearnought, &c. 

Tickle Toby, imported br foaled 1785, got by Alfred, dam Celia by 
Herod, out of Proserpine by Marske, &c. 

Timoleon, ch c. by Sir Archy, dam by imported Saltram — Old Wild- 
air — Driver, &c. 

Tom Jones, imported gr h fifteen hands high, by Croft's Partner — 
True Blue — Cyprus Arabian. Foaled, 1745. Richmond co., 
Virginia. Sir JVI. Beckwith. 
by imported Tom Jones, dam Betsy Blazella by Blaze, &e. Mary- 
land, 1764. 

Tom, by imported Eclipse, dam an imported mare. Richard Hall. 



292 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Tom Tough, ch c by imported Escape, (Horn's,) dam Fairy by Bed- 
ford, &c. 
Tom Tackle, br c by Archduke, dam Fairy by Bedford. 1805. 
Tom Piper, by Janus, dam Ethiopia by Bedford, (he by. Teller's 

Bedford,) g dam by imported Bedford. 
Topaz, ch c by Rob Roy, dam Flora by Ball's Florizelle. 1826.— 

Joseph Lewis, 
b c by Roanoake, dam Jet. 1828. John Randolph. 
Topgallant, b h by imported Diomede, dam by Shark—Harris' 

Eclipse — Mark Anthony, Janus, &c. Foaled, 1800. J. Tay- 

loe. 
b by Topgallant, dam by Old Wildair — imported Black and All 

Black, (or Othello.) 
by imported Druid, dam by Bedford, (sire of Rosabella.) 
Torpedo, by Sir Alfred, dam by Potomac out of the dam of Madison 

and Monroe. 
Touchstone, imported by Clothier, (by Matchem,) out of Bethell's 

mare Riot— Riot by Regulus — Matchem by Cade out of a Part- 
ner mare, &c. dam's side not given. 
Transport, br b by Virginia, dam Nancy Air. 1812. J. B. Rich- 
ardson. 
Traveller, (Morton's,) imported b h by Partner, who was a grandson 

of the Byerly Turk — Traveller's dam was by Bloody Buttocks, 

an Arabian, Greyhound, Makeless, &c. Richmond county, Va. 

1754. Foaled, 1748. 
Trouble, ch c by Duroc, dam Sportmistress, &c. 1821. 
Tripsy, by Figure, dam Humespun by Romulus, Venus by Hero, 

&c. 1800. 
Trimmer, by Hall's Eclipse, dam by imported Slim, Old Figure, &c. 

Prince George, Maryland, 1791. Wm. Lyles. 
Tristram Shandy, by Morton's Traveller, dam by Old Janus out of a 

fine English mare. Caroline county, Virginia, 1777. James 

Upshaw. 
True Whig, by Fitzhugh's Regulus dam, dam of Apollo. 
True Blue, imported b h by Walnut, dam by King Fergus, Celia by 

Herod out of Proserpine by Marske. Foaled, 1785. James 

Turner, 
ch by Tormentor, dam by Expedition, Sir Solomon, Honest John, 

Messenger, &c. 
True Briton, b by Tasker's Othello, dam Milley by Spark, and was 

full sister to Col. Hopper's Pacolet, her dam Queen Mab. — 

1761. 
Trumpetta, imported b m by Trumpator, dam by Highflyer, g dam 

by Eclipse out of Vauxhall's dam, who was by Young Cade. 

Foaled, 1797. J. Tayloe. 
by Hephestion, dam Peggy by Bedford, g dam imported Peggy by 

Trumpator, &c. 1816. 
Trumpator, b c by Dragon, dam imported Trumpetta. 1804. J. 

Tayloe. 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 293 

Trumpator, by Sir Solomon, dam by Hickory, g dam imported Trum- 

petta. Kentucky, 1829. Samuel Davenport, 
Tuckahoe, by Florizelle, dam by imported Alderman, g dam by 

Clockfast, &c, Va., 1827. J. Wickham. 
Tulip, ch by Lindsay's "White Arabian, (Ranger,) dam by imported 

Othello, g dam by George's Juniper, &c. 1782. 
ch f by Alexander, dam Maria Archy. 1830. 
Twig, by imported Janus, dam Puckett's Switch, also by Janus. — 

Thomas Hudson. 

Uncas, ch c by Sir Archy Montario, dam Leocadia by Virginius. — 
1828. J. B, Richardson, 
ch c by Stockholder, dam by Powhatan. 1827. O. Shelby. 
Uncle Sam, b by John Richards, dam Sally Baxter by Oscar, im- 
ported Expedition, Old Cub. 1828. Thomas M. Forman. 

Valeria, b f by Monsieur Tonson, dam Betsy Wilkes, &c. 1832. 

G. A. Blaney. 
Valentine, imported by Magistrate, dam Miss Forester by Diomede, 

Alexander, the dam of Captain Absolute by Sweet William. — 

1826. Thomas Connagh. 
Vansickler, (Bela Richards's,) b c by John Richards, dam Covert 

mare by Am. Eclipse. 
Van Tromp, by Sir Hal, dam by Cceur de Lion. Gen. R, Eaton. 
Velocity, by Rob Roy, dam Simmes' (Mab) bay mare by Ogle's Os- 
car, g dam Edelin's Floretto, &c. 1827. Simms. 

Victor, ch by Contention, dam by Minor's Escape, g dam by Sans 

Culotte, Mahomet out of a thorough-bred mare. 
Victorious, by imported Fearnought, dam by Clevis, (he by Fear- 
nought,) g dam by Hunting Squirrell. Imported by Gen. Nelson. 
Violet Fame, by Contention, dam by Tom Tough, her g dam by 

Strange's Traveller out of a full-bred Wildair mare. 
Vincenta, by imported Messenger, dam by imported Slender, g dam 

by imported Lath, &c. 
Viola, gr f by Gallatin, dam Clio by imported Whip. 1820. Wade 

Hampton. 
Volante, ch f by imported Young Peter Teazle, dam Selima by 

Spread Eagle, &c. 1809. J. Tayloe. 
Vintzun, by imported Diomede, dam Maria by Clockfast, Maria by 

Regulus, &c. (Sold for $2,750.) Gov. Lloyd. 
Virago, imported by Star, dam Virago by Panton's Arabian out of 

Crazy by Lath, which was sister to Snip, &c. Orange county, 

Va. Robert Young. 
Virginia, by Skyscraper, dam Polly Ready Money by Bowie's Cin- 

cinnatus out of a Virginia mare. 
Sorrel, ch m by Virginia Sorrel, dam Black Selima by Fearnought. 

1798. J. Tayloe, 
Virginian, b h by Sir Archy, dam Meretrix by Magog, Narcissa by 

Shark, Rosetta by Centinel, Diana by Claudius, &c. Foaled, 

1815. J. J. Harrison. 



294 the farmer's complete FARRIER. 

Virginius, by imported Diomede, dam Rhea by Chatam, g dam by 
Eclipse, (who was the sire of Brimmer, Wilton Roan, &c.) im- 
ported Shark, Silver Eye, &c. 
ch by Virginius, dam Transport. 1826. J. B. Richardson. 

Violante, s m by Sir Peter Teazle, dam Selima by Spread Eagle, 
&c. 1810. J. Tayloe. 

Walnut, by imported Archibald, dam Cremona by Spread Eagle, g 
dam Gasteria by Balloon. 

Washington, gr by Pacolet, dam Old Rosy Clack by imported Sal- 
tram, &c. O. Shelby. 
ch h by Timoleon, dam Ariadne by Citizen, North Carolina, 
1829. 

Waxey, b by Sir Archy, dam by Sir Alfred, g dam by HaxalPs im- 
ported mare Primrose by Buzzard. 

Waverley b c by Sir Charles, dam Josephine by Flying Dragon, g 
dam by Hamiltonian — St. George — King Herod, &c. 1829. — 
Winchester, Va. J. M. Brome. 

Whip, imported br h fifteen hands three inches high, got by Saltram, 
his dam by King Herod, g dam by Oronooko — Cartouch, &c. 
Foaled, 1794. Imported, 1801. Richard Bland. 

Whirligig, imported dk b fifteen hands high, by Lord Portmore's 
horse Captain, he by Cartouch, &c, his dam by the Devonshire 
Blacklegs, son of Flying Childers, &c. 1774. 

White Feather, by Conqueror, dam by Diomede. L. Long. 

White Leather, b c by Roanoake, dam Everlasting. 1824. J. Ran- 
dolph. 

White Stockings, by Silver Heels, dam Snip by Oscar out of Bri- 
tannia, &c. Maryland. Robert Wright. 

Why Not, b h by Old Fearnought, dam by Othello, g dam by Spark, 
&c. Gloucester, New Jersey, 1780. James Tallman. 

Wildair, imported b h (foaled in 1753, and imported in 1764,) was 
got by Cade out of the Steady mare, her dam by Partner — 
Greyhound, Matchless, &c. Wildair was imported by Mr. De- 
lancy of New York, and afterwards re-shipped to England. 
(Symmes') br b h by Old Fearnought, dam by Jolly Roger out of 
Kitty Fisher, &c. Rocky Mills, Hanover county, Va. Col. 
John Symmes. 

Wildair, (Sims') b h by imported Wildair, dam by Ariel, g dam by 
imported Othello, &c. Maryland, 1778. Col. Jos. Sims, 
by John Symmes' Wildair, dam by Handell, g d by Camden— 
Jolly Roger, &c. Forks of Hanover, Va. 1804. John Thorn- 
ton, 
by Ajax, dam by Knowsley, g dam by Highflyer, g g dam by Old 

Wildair, &c. R. Walker. 
(Jones's,) blood b by Symmes' Wildair, his dam by Flimnap out of 
a Fearnought mare. Wylie Jones. 

Wild Devil, b h by Old Dare Devil, dam by Symmes' Wildair — 
Rockingham — Spanking Rodger, &c. Hanover Town, Virgin- 
ia, 1803. John Anderson. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 205 

Wonder, imported dk ch h fifteen hands three inches high, got by 

Phenomenon out of Brown Fanny by Old Diomede, g dam by 

Marske — Skim— Crab — Childers — Basto, &c. Foaled, 1794, 

Imported in 1802. 
Woodpecker, ch by imported Dragon, dam (Irby's) Dare Devil mare, 

Old Wildair, Fearnought, &c. 1804. C. Sallard. 
Woosky, ch f by Dragon, dam Raffle by Bellair. 1805. J. Hoomes. 
Worthy, g m by Sir Hal, dam by Sir Archy. Maryland, 1814. J. 

Powder, jun. 
Wrangler, by imported Diomede, dam Lady Bolingbroke. Colonel 

Selden. 
Wrangler, bl b by Sir Alfred, dam Clio by Sir Archy — Beauty by 

Diomede — Virginia by Dare Devil, &c. 1824. C. W. Van 

Ranst. 
Wyandott, ch by Piatt's Alexander, dam Honest Jane — Alexander by 

imported Bedford— Honest Jane by imported Honest John. 

Young Arch Duchess, by Janus, dam Arch Duchess. J. Randolph, 
Young Duroc, b by Old Duroc, dam by imported Gabriel, g dam by 

Lindsay's Arabian, &c. Pennsylvania. John Snyder. 
Young Ranter, br b by Ranter, dam a fine blooded mare. 

Romp, (dam of Livingston's Camilla,) by Duroc, dam Romp by 
imported Messenger. 

Sir Solomon, jun. by Old Sir Solomon, dam Maid of Northampton 
by imported Clifden. 1823. Henry Lazier. 

Truffle, imported br h bred by the Duke de Guiche, was got by 
Truffle out of Helen by Whiskey, her dam Brown Justice by 
Justice, Old Truffle was got by Sorcerer out of Hornby Lass 
by Buzzard, &c. Orange county, Virginia, 1830. James Bar- 
bour. 

Yorick, by Tayloe's Yorick, dam by Figure, g dam by Dove, 
Tasker's Othello out of Selima, &c. 1783. Fielder Bowie. 

Zabud, by the Winter Arabian, dam by imported Spread Eagle, g 

dam by Sir Peyton, (by Shylock.) Kentucky. R. J. Breck- 

enridge. 
Zamor, gr by Silver Heels, (by Ogle's Oscar,) dam Aurora (by Vint- 

zun,) g dam Pandora, (by Grey Diomede,) g g dam by Hall's 

Union, Leonidas, &c. 
Zelieka, ch m by Gracchus, dam Miss Chance by imported Chance, 

Messrs. Tayloes. 



296 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Race horses — keep of — instructions for training — riding, &c. 
RACE HORSES. 

[From Mason.] 

It is a remarkable fact, that horses run in all shapes. But most 
generally, those excel upon the turf, that are of the following form: 
head and neck thin, small, and delicate ; eyes large, plump, and full 
of expression ; nostrils wide, red, and expanded ; throttle large ; 
shoulders high, thin, and running very far back ; breast plump, full, 
and wide ; body long, round, and rather light than heavy ; back short 
as possible ; thighs long, large, full, and bulging ; fore-arm large and 
swelling towards his breast ; hocks broad, strong, and bony ; legs of 
moderate size, thin, flat, and sinewy; pasterns rather long and small, 
than otherwise; feet of proportionable size to the balance of his form ; 
though, of the two extremes, small is the best ; he should be nervous, 
tractable, and of good spirit, and he should be from five feet to five 
feet four inches high. Such a horse, well managed, kept and placed 
in races, will seldom fail to distinguish himself on the turf. 

The keeping a horse for a race is attended with much trouble, and 
requires great attention: but is more simple than is generally believ- 
ed by persons wanting experience on that subject. 

A large majority of grooms, even to the present day, are in the 
habit of giving to race horses large quantities of physic, (though the 
number engaged in this practice has been diminished within the last 
ten years,) and for the sake of those very valuable animals, I hope 
ere long, such an injurious practice will be entirely abolished. All 
the medicine on earth will never give to a horse speed and bottom, 
that is naturally deficient in those respects ; and if he is affected at all 
by its use, it must operate to his disadvantage. 

The plainest and simplest mode of keeping horses, has proved 
much the best, to all who have ventured, in defiance of old opinions 
and customs, to use that course. When a horse is in health, the 
medicine generally given by grooms, has the effect of relaxing the 
muscles, enfeebling the system, and expanding the pores of the skin. 
I am clearly of opinion, that those large doses, which are so often 
given, never cause a horse, when running, to fetch a longer breath, 
braced his muscles, added to the elasticity of his tendons, invigorat- 
ed his system, or gave him, in any way, extra powers to perform the 
task assigned him ; but on the contrary, are frequently the means of 
throwing a horse out of order, that in all probability, under different 
treatment, would have proved successful, if not master on the turf: 
indeed, this has sometimes been proved by the change of owners, 
and when a good horse has fallen into the hands of one that has ob- 
served plain and simple treatment — the horse that previous to the 
change never was more than second or third best, has run with more 
than anticipated success. 



'2§7 

Bui many old and ignorant grooms who have never been benefited 
hy experience, and all the knowledge they possess have been handed 
So them by persons equally ignorant with themselves, are under a be- 
lief, that unless a horse swallows a certain number of wind balls, that 
it is impossible he can win a race ; added to which, they are extreme- 
ly superstitious, and some, even at the present day, confide in tricks 
and witchcraft. It is to be much regretted that a good horse should 
ever fall into the hands of such blockheads. 

The first thing necessary in the keeping a race horse is, a good log 
stable, about fifteen feet square ; then provide a plenty of good and 
sweet old corn, fodder, and oats, and a sufficient quantity of clean 
and dry straw, to change his bed every two or three days. 

Most horses, when first taken up for the purpose of being kept^, 
require bleeding; which a groom can always be a judge of from the 
appearance of the animal. Good cloths, girts, &c. should be provi* 
ded and kept on ihe horse, except at the hours for rubbing, which 
should be regularly three times a day ; in the morning, and evening 
after practice, and at twelve o'clock ; for which purpose a curry-comb, 
brush, straw and a large woolen cloth, must be provided and well 
used. Good rubbing assists in putting a horse in order, and places oil 
his skin a beautiful gloss. His legs must be washed three times a day 
in clear cold water, after which they must be rubbed dry with straw, 
and the naked hand rubbed over the ancles and pasterns, until a small 
degree of warmth is felt. The stable should be kept perfectly clean. 

A horse should be given such practice as he is well able to bear. 
As those animals frequently differ in every respect so widely from each 
other, it is impossible to lay down any rule that should govern, rela- 
tive t>the speed or quantity of practice necessary for horses in train- 
ing. I will only remark, that a horse should be practiced in a mode- 
rate gallop, the distance he is intended to be run, moving briskly 
every time he passes the stand, and for a short distance on the back 
of the ground : he then should be walked about a mile, and again 
galloped in manner first directed. Some fleet and delicate horses 
require very little practice indeed; while other hardy and hard bot- 
tomed horses require and can bear very hard practice. But the ap- 
petite of a horse is the best criterion, as relates to that subject. 

If a horse refuses to eat, it is an evidence that his practice is either 
too hard or too quick ; when he eats heartily, it is a proof that he is 
able to bear what is given him. When a horse is first taken into 
keeping, his allowance for the first two or three days, should be rath^ 
er short ; which should be offered four times a day. His exercise 
should be walking, for the first three or four days ; two or three times 
the distance, or round the course of his contemplated race ; after 
which time, his food may be increased with his exercise, and he may 
be regularly fed with from two quarts at a feed to four quarts. His 
food should be often changed and prepared thus : his hommony (In- 
dian corn ground coarse) should be first winded, then thrown into 
clean water, so as to separate the part that is nutritious from the husk 
and chaff; the oats should be lightly beaten in a common hommony 
mortar, to separate them from the hull or chaff, which may be blown 
20 



298 

off; his fodder should be stemmed whenever it is discovered he has 
too much belly. A horse never should be drawn suddenly, as nothing 
is more weakening. 

The best medicine on earth, that can be employed in keeping of a 
horse, to give him wind and bottom, as the grooms term it, is good 
and sweet food. A greater proportion of old oats, hay, or hom- 
mony, opens the bowels ; and a large proportion of fodder and oats, 
when prepared in the way directed, has the reverse effect; so that 
by using food that actually contains nourishment, and will eertainly 
benefit your horse, you may place him in whatever kind of order you 
think proper, without using those medicines which have a certain 
tendency to weaken and relax him. About two mashes during the 
time of keeping, is very beneficial ; the first as soon as you com- 
mence ; the second, about eight days previous to his running ; com- 
posed of one gallon of bran, one table spoonful of flour of sulphur, 
and one tea spoonful of saltpetre. Most grooms are in the habit of 
giving one, two, or three sweats, during the time of keeping; which, 
method of hardening the flesh I am much opposed to. If a horse is 
too gross, gradually increase his exercise, which will have the desi- 
red effect. Whenever a horse has to undergo one of those sweats, 
he is so much weakened and relaxed, as to require at least one week 
to recover his strength. Should a horse, in keeping, lose his appe- 
tite, it can readily be restored, by a single innocent drench, composed 
of a quarter of an ounce of asafetida, one table spoonful of salt, and 
one quart of sassafras tea. Good food, regular feeding, moderate 
exercise, and strict attention to rubbing, are of much more importance 
and benefit to a horse in keeping, than the administering of large 
doses of physic, which his nature does not require. 

When a horse is well kept, he will not appear very fat, but his 
flesh will be very firm and hard ; his legs and ancles must be perfect- 
ly cool, and not puffed or swelled; his eyes should be lively, and 
countenance cheerful ; he should possess no bad habits, but be tract- 
able, gentle, and manageable; his actions smooth and graceful; he 
should be taught patience ; and often practiced in starting around the 
race course, never permitting him to go off, until the word GO is 
given. Many advantages result in a race, to a horse, being properly 
broke in starting. 

After a horse has gone through his practice, and has been well rub- 
bed, <fcc. &c, his feet should be stuffed, (during the time of his stand- 
ing in the stable,) with fresh cow manure, or clay and salt, to prevent 
his ancles from swelling or being heated ; his legs should be bathed 
once a week, with equal parts of old peach brandy and fresh butter, 
or sweet oil and vinegar, stewed over the fire until well mixed, and 
applied warm as the hand can bear it. 

Whenever a horse commences his brisk exercise, the under part 
of his ancles should be occasionally greased, to prevent their crack- 
ing and the scratches being produced. The heels of most young 
horses crack, during their exercise, unless this precaution is used ; 
fresh butter, sweet oil, or hog's lard, answers well for that purpose. 
The subject of keeping horses is so extensive, that to treat fully 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 299 

-on it, would require a book at least the size of this ; the reader, there- 
fore, must be content with the hints and few pages I have devoted 
to this subject. 

Race Riders. 

To become a valuable and a good race rider, requires more capa- 
city, judgment, experience, and honor, than are often found in boys 
in the habit of riding. And no person can be successful on the turf, 
unless he can place the utmost confidence in his rider; whose integ- 
rity and honor it would be advisable frequently to put to the test.*-— 
Boys are sometimes so young, foolish, and destitute of principle, as to 
receive bribes and promises ; preventing the best horse from winning, 
to the disgrace of all concerned, and the serious injury of his owner; 
who, in such cases, never should fail to make an example of all per- 
sons engaged in the villany. 

A good race rider will have the pad of his saddle wet, before he 
mounts, to keep it firm in its place ; he will try his stirrups, and 
prove them long enough to raise himself about two or three inches 
clear of the saddle : he will then tie his bridle a length that will allow 
his horse, when he bears him gradually and steadily, to run at his 
ease, without being jerked or jostled; he should never make a false 
■start, but come up even and go off smoothly, without fretting or caus- 
ing his horse to rear ; and above all other things, strict and pointed 
attention should be paid to the orders given, and they rigidly adhered to. 

A rider should bear a little forward, steadily as possible, and with- 
out altering the attitude of his body, when whipping, pushing, or 
running at his ease, taking great care to remain steady in his stirrups, 
holding his elbows close, and his hands low. 

A rider, after running his heat, should never dismount, or give up 
his horse to any other person, until it is his turn to prove his weight, 
and is directed to come to the stand. 

Instructions for training horses. 

BY CHARLES DUVALL. 

Let the horse be in good flesh when you put him up ; night and 
morning walk him four miles, well clothed with one blanket and a 
suit of horse clothes, for eight days ; water him between the walking 
with forty swallows ; feed him at nine in the morning, at twelve 
o'clock, at six in the evening, and at nine at night, with three quarts 
of oats and chopped corn, one-fifth chopped corn, giving him one 
bundle of blades after feeding in the morning, at twelve o'clock, and 
at six o'clock; after feeding at nine at night, give him two bundles 
of blades. Let him be well rubbed before each feed with straw as 
to his body, and his legs with woolen rubbers ; let him have a good 
bed of straw; let his feet and legs, night and morning, before you take 
him in, be washed with warm water and Castile soap ; then for eight 
days more, in the morning, gallop two miles before watering and one 
mile after, and in the evening one mile before watering and one 
mile after, clothing and rubbing before each feed as before. After 



§00 THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER?. 

that prepare him for sweating, by feeding with two quarts at six 
o'clock, and at nine o'clock the same, giving him no blades, and 
having him well muzzled; let him be well rubbed and have a good 
bed of straw, always keeping his feet well stuffed with cow dung, — «■ 
Let your turf be kept well harrowed and soft. At day-break, take 
him to his training ground with three, four, or five blankets, and his 
body clothes ; let him go four miles, the first three half-speed, the 
fourth mile at a sweeping rate with a tight rein, and a rider not ex- 
ceeding the weight the horse should carry. Then strip him on the field,, 
carefully scraping, rubbing, and brushing him till dry ; then put on his 
usual clothes and walk him an hour ;. stable him ? scald a gallon of bran, 
add cold water to it till milk warm, and let him drink what he will of it. 
Then let him be well rubbed and dressed ; then scald two quarts of 
bran, and two quarts of oats ; mix them, putting among them a table 
spoonful of flour of sulphur and as much antimony as will lie on a 
cent, and let the horse eat it warm ; then take two bundles of stem- 
med blades, and sprinkle them with salt and water, and give him ; 
then take some warm bran and water and wash his legs, rubbing them 
dry with straw and woolen rubbers ; then leave him till twelve o'clock ? 
then feed as usual with three quarts at twelve ; at four in the evening 
brush him and let him walk an hour ; then water him with water 
aired or branch water? then walk him a quarter of an hour, take him 
In and have him well cleaned and rubbed ; then feed at six and nine 
with three quarts of grain ; then muzzle him. In the morning after 
his sweat take him to the ground and strip him as for a race; then 
run him two miles with a tight rein, and continue him two miles 
more in a loose ; then clean him and rub him dry; clothe him and 
walk him till cool, then take him in, wash his feet, and rub them dry, 
cleaning him, rubbing him, stuffing his feet, and feeding as usual; so 
continue to gallop every night and morning, as before directed, to 
wit : In the morning, first gallop two miles, second gallop one mile, 
and in the evening one mile each gallop; sweat every eight days. — 
Train your colts in martingales ; bleed after the first sweat, and if ne- 
cessary after the second sweat. Those are the rules I observe in 
training.. 

CHARLES DUVALL. 

From which, the rules observed by Mr. Thomas Larkin, of Vir- 
ginia, varied in those particulars : he feeds in the morning with four 
quarts, at twelve with two quarts, and at night with four quarts? 
same blades as Mr. Duvall. Morning, gallops first two miles and 
a-half, second two miles. Evening, gallops first two miles, sec- 
ond one mile and a-half. Sweats five miles, and brushes his horse 
before he takes him in ; after cleaning, and rubbing, and drying him, 
two miles. He washes with cold water, except when he sweats his 
horse, and waters after the horse comes in and is clean, just before 
feeding, forty swallows morning and evening, and twelve swallows 
at twelve o'clock ? mixes a spoonful of sulphur in the mash, after 
sweating, but no antimony ; walks before galloping, two miles ; be- 
tween the gallops, one mile. 



the farmer's complete earrier. 301 

Mr. Duvall, in 1797, gave me the foregoing rules: Mr, Larkin 
trained for me two years. And as a sportsman, that all horses may- 
run in the best order, and that their superiority of foot and bottom 
alone may entitle them to the palm, I with pleasure comply with 
your request, that through your inestimable paper, all excuses by 
gentlemen having fine horses, as to the mode of training them, may be 
removed, and the friends of the turf gratified with fine sport. 

American Farmer. 

(From the American Turf Register.] 

Mr. Editor-: — The within was recently found among the papers 
of an old sportsman of the turf, (a pencil memorandum,) in the shape 
of answers to questions, by a gentleman well known to the Virginia 
turfites, who was at that time about to begin his racing career, I 
have examined it with a trainer of long experience, and with few 
alterations hand it to you for publication in the Sporting Magazine, 

A Virginian. 

A horse when put in training should be fat : his exereise ought to 
commence with walking about eight miles a day; three in the morn- 
ing, two at twelve o'clock, and three in the evening. This should be 
continued at least four weeks. A light gallop of a mile in the morning, 
should now be added, and at the end of a week, a mile in the even- 
ing. In another week, half a mile more morning and evening. He 
will now be in condition for his first sweat; his exercise may now 
be the same as the last week, except a " burst of heels" once or 
twice in the week, of three or four hundred yards; at which time he 
will be ready for his second sweat. This given, the horse should 
have, every other morning, a move of a quarter of a mile ; this con- 
tinued for a week, and his third sweat may be given. After this his 
exercise may be increased to two miles, morning and evening ; one 
mile of which (in the morning) should be at half-speed, with a dash 
of a quarter every other morning, more or less, according to his appe- 
tite. The sweats should vary according to the high or low condition 
of the animal. At the end of the week, after the fourth sweat, he 
may, perhaps, require a draw,* and another a day or two before he 
runs. I do not approve of physicing generally ; when there is much 
grossness, or general bad health, a purge may be necessary. Race 
horses should be watered regularly three times a day, in a clear brook, 
in the morning after exereise, at twelve o'clock, and in the evening : 
after exercise, walking them until perfectly cool, previous to water- 
ing. They should be fed with hommony and oats, (the first divested 
of its mealy particles,) in the proportion of one of the first to two of 
the latter. Sometimes when the condition of the horse is low, he 
should be allowed a greater proportion of hommony ; as horses when 
in training must feed well, every thing in the food way must be tried to 
make them do so: as hommony alone, oats, corn in the ear, meal, cut 
oats, &c. I once trained a mare, and ran her successfully, feeding 
her three days in the week on meal with chopped or cut oats. They 

*A very light sweat. 



302 

should' be fed five times a day ; at day-break, after the morning exer- 
cise, at eleven o'clock, a little before the evening exercise, and at 
night : one quart at first, three the second time, three at eleven o'clock* 
one the fourth time, and three the last, with about nine pounds of 
blades without picking, divided as the grain. Some horses eat more 
than others, and should be allowed accordingly.* When there is 
costiveness, sprinkling the fodder with water, or a mash must be 
given: a bucket of salt and water is also sometimes useful. Sweat- 
ing should be done by heavy clothing and gentle exercise, giving 
the horse a swallow or two of water with a little meal stirred in it 
two or three times during the sweat. To put a horse in order, at 
least twelve weeks are necessary ; for a colt, nine weeks. A colt, to 
be in condition to run a good race, should just be low enough to feel 
his ribs pretty plainly, but they should not be seen : a horse should 
be much lower. The usual preparation for a sweat is a mash at 
night, muzzled, heavy clothing, (three or four blankets,) — the next 
morning after breakfast, walk three or four miles, and gallop one 
slowly ; give a mouthful or two of water,t and gallop two or more, 
as the weather is warmer or colder : carry him then to the stable, take 
out the under blanket, rolling the cover up, half at a time, scrape 
well, rub body and legs until perfectly dry, put on blanket and hood, 
and walk for an hour or two, occasionally giving a mouthful of water 
with a handful of meal in it, about milk warm at first. His legs ? 
when pefectly cool, should be washed with warm water and soap 7 
rubbed dry, and the horse put to rest and given a mash,t (scalded, 
oats,) in the evening walked four or five miles, 

The quantity of exercise mentioned, is for horses, after four years- 
old, and upwards; few colts require more than three miles a day. — 
Every eight or ten days the horses should be taken from the exercise 
ground and walked on the road. A careful trainer will always know 
the condition of his horse's legs every morning before galloping, and 
decide whether they receive their work or be sent, if their legs be 
feverish, to have the fever extracted by standing in the water, to the 
pond. To keep up the appetite, I have known nothing better than 
a table spoonful of the powder of poplar bark, (the liriodendron tuli- 
pifera,) every day or two when it is observed that they are mincing 
their food : salt should be given once a week. 

[It will be seen by a comparison of the above instructions, which 
correspond with the system now usually pursued in the south, that 
it is mueh milder than the system laid down by Mr. Duvall of the 
olden time. It is wonderful, (observes our correspondent,) how their 
horses could stand such severe training: and he supposes that the 
greater fleetness of the horses of the present day may be ascribed, in 
some measure, to changes which have been adopted in the system of 

* Particularly large horses : small horses sometimes will eat fourteen or fifteen 
quarts a day. I think thirteen enough for the latter — more is apt, I think* to give- 
them gouty legs, &c. 

f Milk warm, with a little meal stirred in it. 

+Not always necessary, except there is much costiveness. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 303 

training. It is true that many of our fine horses are let down and 
trained off at an early age, but that may Joe attributed to the severe 
trials to which they are put at a tender age — four mile heats, in quick 
time, at three years old!] 

Rules and regulations of the Richmond Jockey Club.* 

Whereas, it is necessary that all well regulated associations should 
have some rules for their government, and the Richmond Jockey Club 
being sensibly impressed with this truth, therefore resolved, that the 
following be the rules and regulations of the Richmond Jockey Club; 

1st. There shall be two regular meetings of this Club, at Tree 
Hill, each year, and each to continue four days, to be called Spring and 
Fall meetings. The Spring meeting shall commence on the second 
Tuesday in May, and the Fall meeting the third Tuesday in October. 

2d. There shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Trea- 
surer, and four Stewards, appointed by ballot. 

3d. It shall be the duty of the president to preside in all meetings 
of the Club.; to act as judge in each day's race; appoint his assist- 
ant judges on the evening preceding each day's race; report the 
result of each day's race, and stand as judge in all sweepstakes, with 
such other persons as the parties may appoint. 

4th. It shall be the duty of the vice president to attend all meet- 
ings of the Club ; assist the president in the discharge of his duty ; 
act as president pro tern, in the absence of the president. 

5th. It shall be the duty of the secretary to attend the judges on 
each day's race ; assist them with his counsel ; keep a book, in which 
he shall record the members' names, the rules of the Club, and add 
to them any resolutions which may change the character of either ; 
also record the proceedings of each meeting; the entries of horses; 
an account of each day's race, including the time of running each 
heat; publish the races, and after they are over, publish the result; 
for this service, he shall be exempt from paying his subscription. 

6th. The stewards shall be appointed by ballot, and serve for one 
meeting next succeeding their appointment. They shall wear a 
white rose on the left side of the cape of their coat. It shall be their 
duty to attend on the course, preserve order, clear the track, keep off 
the crowd from horses coming to the stand after the close of a heat; 
may employ able-bodied men to assist them, who shall be paid out 
of any money in the hands of the treasurer, and they be designated 
by a red sash. 

7th. There shall be three judges in the starting stand, the presi- 
dent and two assistant judges, whose duty it shall be to keep the 
stand clear of any intrusion during the pendency of a heat, except 
the officers, trainers, and weigher, and also see that the riders are 
dressed in jockey style. 

8th. All disputes shall be decided by the judges of the day, from 
whose decision there shall be no appeal, unless at the judges' dis- 

*The rules of New Market, (near Petersburg, Va.,) Broad Rock, and most 
of the courses in Virginia, are nearly the same. 



304 the farrier's complete farrier* 

cretion ; and no evidence to be received of foul riding, except from 
distance judges and patrolls. 

9th. There shall be two distance and three patroll judges, who* 
shall repair to the judges 7 stand after each heat, and report the nags 
that are distanced, and foul riding if there be any. 

10th. The distance of the proprietor's purse shall be three mile 
heats, and be run for on the second day of each regular meeting. — 
The purse shall be $300 — entrance $15. 

11th. The distance of the Jockey Club purse shall be four mile 
heats, spring and fall, and be run for on the third day of each regular 
meeting — entrance $20. 

12th. All sweepstakes, advertised to be run for over the Tree Hill 
eourse, on any day of the regular meeting of the Club, shall be 
under the cognizance of this Club ; and that whenever a subscriber 
makes an entry, he may change it any time before the stakes closes* 

13th. No person shall start a horse for any purse under the control of 
this Club, other than a member, he being at least one-third interested,, 
and producing proof of his horse's age ; nor shall any member start 
a horse, unless his entrance and subscription be paid before starting^ 

14th. All entries of horses to run, shall be made in open Club, on 
the evening preceding each day's race, by five o'clock, or during the 
sitting of the Club, and no entry made after that time shall be allow- 
ed : Provided, if there be no meeting, then with the secretary or 
treasurer, by five o'clock. 

15th. No persons shall be benefited by the winning of any purse, 
lander the control of this Club, unless he be a member or the owner 
of the horse. 

16th. Any person desirous of becoming a member for the purpose 
of starting a horse, may do so, he being approved by the Club, and 
paying double entrance. 

17th. The winning horse of the Jockey Club purse shall not be per- 
mitted to start for the proprietor's purse, nor the winning horse of the 
proprietor's purse for the Jockey Club purse, during the samemeetingo 

18th, No compromise or agreement between any two persons 
starting horses, or their agents or grooms, not to oppose each other 
upon a promised division of the purse, shall be permitted or allowed, 
and no person shall run their nags in conjunction, that is, with a de- 
termination to oppose, jointly, any other horse or horses which may 
run against them. In either ease, upon satisfactory evidence produ- 
ced before the judges, the purse shall be awarded to the next best 
horse, mare, or gelding ; and the persons so offending, shall never 
again be permitted to start a horse on this course. 

19th. No two riders from the same stable shall be allowed to ride 
in the same race ; nor shall two horses, trained in the same stable, 
be allowed to start in the same race. 

20th. Riders shall not be permitted to ride in a race unless dressed 
in the jockey style. 

21st. Riders, after the heat is ended, must repair to the judges 5 
stand, not dismount until ordered by the judges, and then carry their 
saddles themselves to the scales, there to be weighed. 



305 

22d. The rider who has won a heat shall be entitled to the track, 
and the foremost entitled to any part of the track, he leaving a suf- 
ficient space for a horse to pass him on the outside, but shall not, 
when locked by another horse, leave the track he may be running in 
to press him to the outside, doing which will be deemed foul riding. 
A rider may take the track on the inside, but he must do it at his own 
peril, as, should he be posted in making the attempt, it will not be 
considered as foul. Should any rider cross, jostle, strike an adver- 
sary or his horse, or run on his heels intentionally, or do any thing 
else that may impede the progress of his adversary, he will be deem- 
ed distanced, though he come out ahead, and the purse given to the 
next best nag: and any rider offending against this rule, shall never 
be permitted to ride over or attend any horse on the course again. 

23d. If any nag shall run on the inside of any pole, they will be 
deemed distanced, although they may come out first, and the purse 
awarded to the next best nag. 

24th. The distance stand shall be sixty yards from the judges' 
stand for mile heats, and sixty additional yards for every mile in a 
heat, unless it be the best three in five, and then ninety yards to a mile. 

25th. The time between heats shall be twenty minutes for mile 
heats, thirty minutes for two mile heats, forty minutes for three mile 
heats, and forty-five minutes for four mile heats. Some signal shall 
be sounded from the judges stand five minutes before the period of 
starting, after the lapse of which time, the judges shall give the word 
to such riders as are ready — but should any horse be restive in saddling, 
the judges may delay the word a short interval, at their own discretion. 

26th. A horse that does not win a heat out of three, shall not be 
entitled to start for a fourth, although he may save his distance. A 
drawn horse shall not be considered as distanced. 

27th. No stud horse shall be exhibited within the walls of the 
course until the ladies have retired. 

28th. All members and their families shall pass the gate free, and 
all who are not members shall pay the following tolls, viz : — for every 
four-wheeled carriage one dollar ; for every gig and two-wheeled car- 
riage, cart, man and horse, fifty cents : and for every person on foot, 
twenty-five cents. 

29th. Any person who may kill a dog on the course, shall be paid 
two dollars out of the funds of this Club, and if there be none in 
hand, by the judges, out of the purse of that day on which the dog 
or dogs may be killed. 

30th. The following weights shall be carried, viz : 

2 years old, a feather, 

3 " " 86 lbs. 

4 " " 100 " 

5 " " 110 " 

6 " " 118 " 

7 " " and upwards, 124 lbs., with an allow- 
ance of three pounds to mares and geldings. The weigher shall see 
that each rider shall have his proper weight, before he starts, and that 
they have within two pounds after each heat. 



306 the farmer's complete farrier. 

31st. The age of horses shall be recorded by the year in which 
they are foaled; during the year 1800, shall be considered as a year- 
ling; during the year 1801, two years old; during the year 1802, 
and so on. 

32d. New members can only be admitted upon recommendation ; 
any person wishing to become a member, shall be ballotted for and 
two blackballs will exclude him. 

Betting. 

When both parties are present, either party has a right to demand 
that the money be staked before the horses start ; and if one refuse, 
the other may, at his option, declare the bet void. 

If any party be absent on the days of race, the party present may 
declare the bet void, in the presence of the judges, before the race 
commences ; but if any person offer to stake for the absentee, it is a 
confirmed bet. 

A bet made on a heat to come, is no bet, unless all the horses run- 
ning in a previous heat start again. 

All bets made between horses that are distanced the same heat are 
considered drawn, and when between two horses throughout a race, 
and neither of them win it, the horse that is best at the termination 
of the race, wins the bets. 

If an entrance horse, or subscriber die, no forfeit shall be required. 

A premium given to another to make a bet shall not be refunded, 
although the bet is not run for. 

Handy Cap Races. 

1st. The judges for the season, on meeting with the secretary, shall 
Handy Cap. 

2d. A list of all the horses, mares, and geldings which have started 
at the said meeting, shall be made, to which any others, if proposed 
and particularly described, may be added. 

3d. Any horse, &c, which has not run during the said meeting, 
for sweepstakes, Jockey Club, or proprietor's purse, shall carry the 
weights of the course. 

4th. When the distance to be run, the entrance required, and the 
prize be agreed on, the judges and secretary shall proceed to assign 
them their weights. 

5th. No horse, &c, shall be bound to carry more weight than the 
rules of the course prescribe. 

6th. On the supposed best horse, &c, his or her proper weight 
shall be imposed. 

7th. From horses, &c, of the second, third, &c, rate or reputation, 
as much weight may be taken as will, in the opinion of the Handy 
Cappers, make them equal to the first rate; in equalizing them as 
aforesaid, they are not bound to regard the winning horses, &c, as a 
change of distance, or a hard run, may change their ability to perform. 

8th. Those who Handy Cap, shall particularly mark such horses, 
&c, which are started in shoes, or not allowed to exert themselves 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 307 

in a previous race — any such horse, &c, shall carry the weight of the 
course, subject to the determination of the judges and secretary. 

9th. As soon as the list of horses, &c, with their weights, be pre- 
pared, the secretary shall post up the same in the Club Room at this 
place to which shall be added the distance to be run, the sum to be 
run for, and the entrance money. 

10th. When the aforesaid nine rules be complied with, until ten 
o'clock, P. M., shall be allowed the owner or starter to determine 
whether he will contend for the prize, and no longer ; as they deter- 
mine, they shall give their names to the treasurer or proprietor of 
the course, with a description of their horses, &c, who shall make a 
list of them as entered, which list shall point out their places at start- 
ing — two or more to make a race. 

English Rules of Racing. 

Abstract of the laws which govern the Race Course in Great Britain, as extracted 
from a Liverpool paper. 

Horses take their ages from May day, i. e. a horse foaled any time 
in the year 1823, is one year old on the first day of May 1824. 
Four inches are a hand ; fourteen pounds a stone ; two hundred and 
forty yards a distance. 

Oath weights are, each to appoint a party to ride without weigh- 
ing. Featherweight signifies the same. Give and take plates are 
weights for inches ; fourteen hands to carry a stated weight, all above 
to carry extra, or be allowed the proportion of seven pounds to an 
inch. A Whim Plate is. a weight for age and a weight for inches. A 
Past Match is to insert the ages of the horses in the articles, and to 
run any horse of that age, without declaring till you come to the post 
to start. Hand Cap weights are weights according to the supposed 
abilities of the horses. Plates or shoes are not allowed in the 
weight. 

The horse that has his head at the ending post first, wins the heat. 
Riders must ride their horses back to the winning post to weigh; and 
he that dismounts before, or wants weight, is distanced. If a rider 
fall from his horse, and the horse be ridden in by a person of suffi- 
cient weight, he shall take place the same as if it had not happened, 
provided he goes back to the place where the rider fell. 

Horses not entitled to start without producing a proper certificate 
of their age, if required ; except where aged horses are included, in 
which case a junior horse may start without a certificate, provided he 
carry the same weight as an aged horse. 

For the best of the plate, when there are three heats run, the horse 
is second who wins one. For the best of the heats, the horse is 
second that beats the other twice out of three times, though he doth 
not win the heat. When a plate is won at two heats, the preference 
of the horses is determined by the places they hold in the second heat. 
When three horses have each won a heat, they only must start for a 
fourth, and their places must be determined by it, though before no 
difference between them. No distance in a fourth heat. In running 



308 

heats, if it cannot be decided which is first, the heat goes for nothing, 
and they may all start again, except it be between two horses that had 
each won a heat. Horses drawn before the plate is won are distanced. 

A bet after the heat is over, if the horse betted on does not start 
again, is no bet. A confirmed bet cannot be off, without mutual con- 
sent. Either party may demand stakes to be made, and on refusal 
may declare the bet void. If a party be absent on the day of run- 
ning, a public declaration of the bet may be made on the course, and 
a demand whether any person will make stakes for the absent party; 
and if no person consent to do so, the bet may be declared void. 
Bets agreed to be settled in town, or any particular place, cannot be 
declared off on the course. 

The person who bets the odds, has a right to choose the horse of 
the field. When he has chosen the horse, the field is what starts 
against him ; but there is no field unless one starts with him. If 
odds are bet without mentioning the horse before the race is over, it 
must be determined as the odds were at the time of making it. Bets 
made between particular horses are void if neither of them be the 
winner, unless specified to the contrary. 

At New Market, if a bet be made for any particular day in any 
meeting, and the parties afterwards change the day, all bets must 
stand ; but if altered to another meeting, bets made before the altera- 
tion are void. Bets determined, though the horse does not start 
when the words " absolutely, run or pay," or " play or pay," are 
made use of in betting. For example ; I bet that Mr. Udny's ch. 
mare, Mirandela, absolutely wins the King's plate at Chelmsford, in 
1824. I lose the bet though she does not start, and win though she 
goes over the course alone. 

All double bets are considered as play or pay. 

Since Epsom races, 1812, all bets are made in pounds, and not in 
guineas, as formerly. 

Horses running on the wrong side of a post, and not turning back, 
are distanced. Horses distanced if the riders cross or jostle. Horses 
that forfeit are beaten horses, where it runs or pays. Bets made on 
any horses winning any number of plates that year, remain in force 
till the first day of May. Money given to have a bet laid, not re- 
turned if not run. All matches, bets, and engagements are void on 
the decease of either party before determined. An untried stallion 
or mare, is one whose produce had not started in public at the time 
of closing the engagement. 

In estimating winnings, it is the practice to consider the clear sum 
gained only, and consequently to exempt the winner's stakes. A 
winner of sweepstakes of twenty guineas each (three subscribers) 
is, therefore, not disqualified from running for a fifty pound plate, ex- 
pressed to be for horses that never won a plate, match or sweep- 
stake of that value. 



PART SECOND. 



In this part of our compilation, the reader will find a historical 
description of the mule — general remarks on breeding, raising and 
training of them— -and an estimate of their comparative value with 
the horse, for agricultural purposes ; and their superior utility as sub- 
stitutes for horses, in many respects, in point of economy, for the 
purpose of canal and railroad labor, &c. 

The hybrid produce of an ass with a mare, is called a mule. The 
hinny is the hybrid produce of the she ass and a stallion. 

They may be readily distinguished by the reader, if he will pay 
attention to the following striking marks of difference : 

THE MXJLE THE HINNY. 

1 . Has a large clumsy head. 1 . The head is long and thin, 

2. Has long, erect ears. 2. Ears like those of a horse. 

3. Has a short mane. 3. The mane is short. 

4. The tail is very thin. 4. Tail well filled with hair. 

The mule is more common than the hinny; because the hinny 
is less hardy, less useful, and consequently, if ever, seldom cultivated. 

We have been exceedingly diligent in investigating the subject of 
the comparative value and general usefulness of the mule. After all 
our enquiries, we find nothing, in all we have elicited from mule 
owners, to induce us to dissent from any thing that has been said by 
Samuel W. Pomeroy, whose invaluable essay on the natural history 
of the mule, for the general purposes of agriculture, in comparison 
with horses, we have taken from the American Farmer. This is a 
prize essay. There were seven competitors, each tasking his time, 
and bringing all that was available into requisition to obtain the pre- 
mium, a silver cup of thirty dollars value, offered by the patriotic and 
well known Robert Oliver, Esq., for the best essay on the mule. 



310 the farmer's complete farrier. 



A DISSERTATION ON THE MULE. 

By S. W. Pomeroy, Esq., V. Pres. Mass. Ag. S. H. A. U, S. 
Cor. Mem. Imp. Ag. S. of Florence. 

Opinion is the Queen of the World — it gives motion to the springs, and direc- 
tions to the wheels of power. — John Q. Adams. 

Knowledge is power. — Bacon. 
Economy is power. — Burke. 

Soon after the accession of Charles III. to the crown of Spain, he 
issued a severe edict, prohibiting his subjects from wearing flapped 
hats and cloaks; which caused an insurrection that obliged him to 
leave Madrid, after witnessing the massacre of near a hundred of his 
Walloon guards ; and might have terminated in a revolution but for 
the immediate banishment of his ministers, and the revocation of the 
edict. An eminent writer has introduced a history of the occurrence, 
by observing, that "it is easier to conquer half the world than to sub- 
due a single prejudice or error; most nations having a superstitious 
attachment to those habitudes which they derive from their ancestors, 
that seemed to come along with them into the world, and with which 
they were nursed and brought up." 

Perhaps it may be deemed by many quite as visionary or absurd, 
to attempt an introduction of the mule, as a substitute for the horse, 
for the purposes of agriculture and hackney employments, as was the 
project of the Spanish monarch for compelling his subjects to wear 
the French costume, to the exclusion of one they had been so long 
accustomed to look upon as a distinction, which was the birth-right of 
every true Spaniard; and as we may suppose, so congenial to the 
indolent habits for which that nation had long been proverbial. 

It must be acknowledged that there are serious, though I trust in 
this age of improvement, not insurmountable impediments — for we 
have to combat not only hereditary prejudices, or, to speak more 
correctly, such as have proceeded from a deficiency of means and 
want of knowledge, to develope the valuable properties, and to sub- 
due propensities of a contrary character in this hybrid race, but we 
are met at the threshold by the same species of pride which the 
Spaniards manifested in regard to their costume, founded on the enthu- 
siastic, I may almost say, superstitious attachment to the horse. 

It is believed that a vast portion of our countrymen, and I may 
with propriety add the people of Great Britain, from whom we have 
derived a few inveterate prejudices, as well as many illustrious exam- 
ples that have had a commanding influence in leading our country to 
the high destinies that await her, do not consider that a mule, especi- 
ally a well bred one, would be in their view, one of the most desi- 
rable of animals if they had never seen a horse; it must be admitted, 
however, that he holds the second rank, and it is principally from 
this circumstance, that so little attention has been paid to him in both 
countries. Comparison is the chief cause of his degradation — they 
look at and give their opinions not of himself, but comparatively with 



311 

the horse. They seem not aware that he is a mute"—' that he has all 
the qualities of his nature, all the gifts attached to the connecting and 
final link of two distinct species, and think only of the figure or more 
shining qualities of the horse which are wanting in him, and that we 
cannot expect him to have ; for he possesses those of more intrinsic 
value, which the Supreme Author of nature has denied to both of his 
parents. 

There are few subjects of animated nature that have engaged the 
attention of the most eminent naturalists, more than the genus Equus 
to which the horse and ass, with their hybrid offspring, are assigned. 
Linnseus, with a view to establish by new arguments, his doctrine or 
theory of the sexual system of plants, which Spallanzani had at- 
tempted to overturn, illustrated their generation by pursuing the chain 
of nature from the animal kingdom to the vegetable ; and exhibited, 
as prominent examples, the two different productions of mules. He 
says, "from the mare and male ass proceeds the mule, properly so 
called, which in its nature, that is, in its medullary substance, nervous 
system, and what Malpighi calls the keel, [carina, bottom, in sports- 
men's language,) is latent in, and derived from the mare. But in its 
cortical substance and outward form, in its mane and tail, resembles 
the ass. Between the female ass and the horse, the other kind of 
mule is engendered, whose nature or medullary substance resembles 
that of the ass; but its outward form and cortical structure, or vascu- 
lar system, that of the horse."* This race were denominated Hinne 
and Hinnus by the ancients, from their neighing somewhat like a 
horse, a name they still retain. They were not held in much estima- 
tion by the Romans, according to Pliny, who describes them as diffi- 
cult to manage, and so slow that little service could be derived from 
them. BurTon has noticed this animal, which he calls Bordeau^ and 
says it is smaller than the mule, as it preserves the diminutive stature 
of the ass. It has been stated, however, by some of our worthy and 
intelligent Navy officers, that they have raised Hinnys in Spain, that 
were of respectable size, and more beautiful than the mule ; that is, 
they resemble the horse much more ; and if my information is correct, 
a few have been bred upon the Spanish main and shipped to the 
West India Islands ; but were by no means esteemed so hardy or 
valuable for service as mules. 

Notwithstanding mules have a disposition to propagate, there have 
been but two or three well authenticated instances recorded of their 
having bred; and those productions were considered monsters — such 
a phenomenon among the ancients was deemed a prodigy ,t Buffon 
was indefatigable in his researches on the subject; and although he 
admits that it is possible for either gender to propagate, he is confi- 
dent that their parents are of a species distinct from each other. He 

* See " a dissertation on the sexes of plants," by Sir Charles Linneeus — read 
before the Imperial Academy of Sciences at St. Petersburg, Sept. 6, 1760 — and 
which obtained the premium of one hundred golden ducats. 

\ B. Orth, of Lebanon county, Pa., informed us that a mule of his had a per- 
fect foal in 1838, and was then doing well, — Compiler. 



312 the farmer's complete farrier. 

says "the ass is an ass, and not a horse degenerated," as some have 
supposed, "he is neither a stranger, an intruder, nor a bastard — he 
has, like other animals, his family, his species, and his rank: his 
blood is pure and untainted, and although his race is less noble, yet 
it is equally good, equally ancient as that of the horse." This pro- 
found naturalist continues a very minute and eloquent comparison 
between the horse and the ass — some of his expressions I have 
taken the liberty to apply to the mule and the horse in a preceding 
paragraph. 

It may promote the object in view, to enter extensively upon the 
history of the ass ; and we commence with the supposition, that when 
men became so far civilized as to have burdens to carry, or required 
to be carried themselves, this animal was the first domesticated for 
that purpose — and it is reasonable to infer that those of the least spirit 
and most tractable, were put in requisition in the first instance; when 
by breeding in and in, without any care in the selection of sire or 
dam, became in process of time degenerated to very inferior grades. 
Be this as it may, it is an unquestionable fact that different races of the 
ass now exist, possessing properties as distinct as are found in the 
family of the camel. For instance, the dromedary, selected from the 
race of single hunched camel by far the most numerous, and to whom 
they bear the same relation as the full-bred courser does to the ordi- 
nary horse — requiring the same care to preserve the purity of blood, 
is of slender form, long and tall — never permitted to carry burdens ; 
but with a rider, is able to traverse vast tracts of desert, with the 
continued speed of a high mettled race horse. The bactrian camel 
with two protuberances on his back, though shorter, is much heavier 
and more muscular; travels at a pace seldom, if ever, exceeding three 
miles an hour, and is capable of conveying such burdens that the 
Arabs style him emphatically, "the great ship of the desert;" yet 
they are of the same species — a cross between them, breed and con- 
stitute another variety, which multiply, and, according to Buffon, 
have the most vigor, and are preferred to all others. 

Ancient writers recognize several distinct varieties of the ass. — 
According to Dr. Harris four different races are indicated in the ori- 
ginal Hebrew scriptures, viz : Para, Chamor, Aton and Orud.* The 
wild ass (Para) was a native of Arabia Deserta and those countries 
which formed the great Assyrian empire. They are now found in 
southern Tartary, in the mountainous districts and saline plains of 
Persia, are migratory in large herds, visiting in winter the northern 
parts of India, and said to be so fleet that no horse can overtake them 
in the chase. This race is frequently alluded to by the inspired wri- 
ters ; and afford similies diametrically opposite to those drawn from 
the domestic race. The sublime description of the former in the 

*See the Natural History of the Bible, by Thaddeus Mason Harris, D. D. 1 vol. 
8vo. Wells & Lilly, Boston. A work I would earnestly recommend to those 
readers of the sacred volume, who are desirous to be better acquainted with many 
allusions to subjects of natural history, founded on their nature, habits and charac- 
teristic qualities, developing beautiful similies, which would otherwise lie concealed, 
and enabling them to judge more correctly of the propriety of such allusions. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 313 

%ook of Job, exhibits such a contrast, that I trust its insertion in this 
place will not be deemed improper : 

" Who from the forest ass his collar broke, 
And manumized his shoulders from the yoke 3 
Wild tenant of the waste, I sent him there 
Among the shrubs, to breathe in freedom's air, 
Swift as an arrow in his speed he flies ; 
Sees from afar the smoky city rise ; 
Scorns the thronged street, where slavery drags her load, 
The loud voiced driver and his urging goad ; 
Where'er the mountain waves its lofty wood, 
A boundless range, he seeks his verdant food." 

Scott's Version - . 

It appears that at a very early period of sacred history, the com- 
mon domestic ass (Chamor) was employed in all the menial labors 
©f a patriarchal family, while a nobler and more estimable breed 
(Aton) was destined to carry the patriarchs, the well-born, and those 
on whom marks of distinction were to be conferred. Balaam rode 
upon an Aton. This race constituted an important item in a sched- 
ule of the pastoral wealth of those times ; of course attracted particu- 
lar attention and care. Saul, after searching three days, applied to 
Samuel, as a seer, to discover where his father's atonoth (female plu- 
ral) had strayed. And David it seems had an officer, apparently of 
high dignity, appointed expressly to superintend his stud of atonoth, 
or brood asses of the superior race. 

There was another race called by Aristotle half-ass (Hemionus) 
which is also mentioned by Theophrastus, whom Pliny quotes, as 
the wild mule that bred ; and were found in Africa and the northern 
parts of Asia Minor. There can be no doubt but this is the same 
race discovered by Professor Pallas among the Mongalian Tartars, 
which he so particularly describes under the name of Hemionus or 
wild mule that breeds, and that it is not a hybrid, but actually of the 
species of ass resembling a mule.* This race is identified by Harris, 
with the orud of scripture. 

The wild ass of northern and western Africa, whose flesh was so 
much admired by the Roman epicures, may, I believe, be ranked as 
another distinct race. Adamson, a French naturalist, who resided a 
number of years on the banks of the Senegal, describes those brought 
from the interior by the Moors, as so essentially different from any he 
had seen in Europe, it was with difficulty he could recognize them 
to be the same species — neither do they answer the description of 
the wild ass of Asia, of which we have been speaking. But his ac- 

*Heroditus says that in the army of Xerxes, which invaded Greece, there were 
chariots of war drawn by wild asses. M. Lardner, a celebrated commentator, ren- 
ders them Zebras in his French translation, which he supports from Oppian, lib. 3, 
v. 183. But it is now supposed, that the Zebra is of a species distinct from the 
ass; — and Buffon asserts, that none were ever discovered out of Africa: and there 
only in the southern hemisphere. It is therefore highly probable, that those allu- 
ded to, were the Hemionus, which are described as much larger than the wild ass, 
and nearer the size and form of the Zebra. — See Beloe's Heroditus, Polymnia, 
Chap. 86. 

21 



314 fHE FARMER^ COMPLETE FARRIERS 

count of them corresponds with the diminutive domestic race intro- 
duced from Africa, particularly from Senegal and the Cape de Verd 
islands ; and from which the small race of Donkeys now in Europe 
and in this country may with great probability claim their origin. 

The Arabian ass, like the horse of that country, is considered the 
most estimable of his species — and there are strong reasons for con- 
eluding that he is descended from the Hebrew Aton so highly valued 
by the patriarchs, judges and kings of sacred history ; and that the 
same race have been preserved in some degree of purity to the pre- 
sent time. Indeed there can be but little doubt on the subject, if we 
admit the fact, that the habits, manners and pursuits of the descend- 
ants of Ishmael, have continued with scarcely an iota of variation,, 
from the day they took rank among the nations of the earth. This 
supposition seems to be fully confirmed by the observation of a re- 
cent traveller of celebrity — who says: "at Orfah, the Ur of the 
Chaldees, Haran-, the residence of Abraham and Laban, was pointed 
out at a distance of eight hours. Here and throughout the journey, 
the leading incidents of the pentateuchial history, live in local tradi- 
tions ; and the habits of life bear perpetual and most striking illustra- 
tions of manners recorded in the sacred history. The habits of the 
people in these regions, under all the various changes of their civil 
and religious relations, are as immutable as their deserts, their rivers, 
and their mountains."* Our position is further strengthened by in- 
formation from an intelligent traveller of undoubted veracity, who 
has visited Arabia on the south-western side of the Peninsula to 
Mocha ; and on the eastern, to the confluence of the Euphrates and 
Tigris. He represented the superior race of asses of that country, 
as most beautiful — of perfect symmetry, great spirit, activity and 
vigor ; many of which could not be purchased for less than four or 
five thousand dollars — an enormous price, considering the value of 
money among those people. It is also a fact, that the Arabs are as 
tenacious of preserving the pedigree of their horses, as the most- 
careful breeder for the turf in England— and not less so of their asses. 
The descent of some of them, they trace to those in the train of 
the Queen of Sheba when she visited Solomon — as they also do that 
of their horses to the numerous stud of that wise and gallant king. 

Dr. Harris supposes the wild ass (Para) to be the Onager of the 
Greeks and Romans — and that the Aton was of a different kind ; but 
may not writers of different periods have confounded the wild ass 
with the Aton in their representations of the Onager? for it is not 
improbable, but that the Aton was of the most improved breed known, 
produced from crosses of a choice selection of the domestic, the wild 
ass, and the Hemionus or wild mule — which last Professor Pallas re- 
commends to complete the perfection of the species. This supposi- 
tion is supported by Buffon, who infers as a certain fact, that by a 
cross of the remotest of different races of the ass, the most beautiful 
productions are obtained, 

* Buckingham's travels in Mesopotamia, including a journey from Aleppo across 
the Euphrates to Orfah (the Ur of the Chaldees and Edessa of the Greeks.) 



toe farmer's complete farrier. 3 IB 

The production and employment of mules may be traced to a re- 
mote period of antiquity.* The scripture account of them and their 
importance in the equipage of princes, is familiar to every one. Ho- 
mer is quite diffuse in his description of them.t Heroditus who is 
styled the father of history, makes frequent mention of these animals ; 
and it is known that they were introduced in the chariot races at the 
Olympic games, in the seventeenth olympiad, about five hundred 
years before Christ. The Romans well knew their value. Pliny 
informs us, from Varro, that Q. Axius, a Roman senator, paid four 
hundred thousand sersterces, upwards of thirteen thousand dollarSj 
for a male ass for the propagation of mules ; and he says further, that 
the profit of a female ass in breeding stock for the same purpose, was 
estimated in Cetteberia, now the kingdom of Valencio in Spain, at a 
like sum. We may infer from a passage in Tacitus, and in Plutarch's 
life of Marius, that mules were generally employed to transport the 
baggage of the Roman armies ; and that the superior officers rode 
those of a high grade, having their horses led. It seems that the 
dillitanti of Rome held them in great estimation; as we are informed 
that there was no lady who had any pretentions to fashion, but had 
her saddle mule ; and that those of Nero and Poppea were shod with 
gold and silver — not plates, as iron shoes are now formed, but the 
whole hoof enclosed. ;(: 

As it is not requisite to pursue our history of the mule any further 
among the ancients, we shall drop their appellation of male and fe- 
male ass, and adopt the modern one of Jack and Jennet. 

Spain has continued to support the reputation for a superior race of 

*There is, among the learned, a diversity of opinion as to the production of the 
mule. The Hebrews, says Paxton, of Edinburgh, ascribe the invention of mules 
to Anah, B. C, 1796 — Gen. 26 : 24. This opinion is called in question by Mi- 
ehaelis, and others, by translating the Hebrew word emim, giants, and not mules, 
as it is translated in the common version, or Maulpferde, in German. We have 
no space to enlarge, but we would add, that for reasons, satisfactory to us, we think 
that emim might be translated with propriety, waters, springs, warm medicinal 
springs. The root of the word emim is ime, to be hot, to boil. To discover such 
springs, (for it is ascertained that there are, in that region, medicinal fountains,) 
would be as memorable an occurrrence ; and it is as likely to be made by Anah, 
in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon, his father, as that he found the 
mules. — Compiler. 

■f" And twelve young mules, a strong laborious race, 
New to the plough, unpracticed to the trace. 
***** 

The royal car, at early dawn obtain, 
And order mules obedient to the rein. 

***** 

Now mounting the gay seat, the silken reins 
Shine in her hand ; along the sounding plains 
Swift fly the mules ; nor rode the nymph alone ; 
Around, a bevy of bright damsels shone." 

Homer's Odessey, books 4 and 6. 

^The Roman ladies had equipages drawn by mules, as appears from medals of 
Julia and Agrippina — and at this day, we may add, in Spain, the carriages of the 
nobility, and even of princes, are usually drawn by mules. — Compiler. 



316 the farmer's complete farrier. 

mules to the present period ; and it is probable that the Arabian breed 
of jacks were introduced by the Moors, when they held possession 
of that fine country ; which by crosses and the effects of soil and cli- 
mate, have formed two valuable races which we shall notice in the 
sequel.* 

The Portuguese race are supposed to differ but little from the 
Spanish; those, however, that have come within my view, were 
strikingly inferior in every point. 

It was not until the close of the sixteenth century, that coaches 
were used in France; before which, it is said, the nobles rode to 
court, parliament, &c, on mules that were brought from the vicinity 
of the Alps and Pyrennees. They were usually black, of large size, 
well made, and mostly bred from fine Spanish mares. Savoy, has 
long been noted for an excellent breed of mules. None very extra- 
ordinary are found in Italy; those used by the Veterino, are strong 
and of respectable size, but of a sluggish and debased spirit. 

Very little can be said of those animals in Great Britain. The 
Catholic prelates brought over a number of superb mules prior to 
the reformation ; but in the reign of Elizabeth, so little was known 
of them, that a writer of that period says: "in Devonshire, some 
were produced by a jack brought from France, and were knocked on 
the head by the people, who viewed them as monsters." A superior 
race of mules were bred in Flanders, from jacks introduced by the 
Spanish monarchs, while they held dominion in that country. Fifty 
of them were brought to England by the Duke of Cumberland, pre- 
sented to him by the Empress Queen, and from their beautiful ap- 
pearance, engaged the attention of a few individuals ; but the spirit 
soon subsided, notwithstanding those who bred and used them, were 
warm in praise of their utility. Among a voluminous mass of trea- 
tises on agriculture and rural economy, published in that country, 
scarce a line can be found devoted to the mule, except by Dr. Ander- 
son, who, in his " Recreations in Agriculture," has a few judicious 
remarks on the subject. 

Indeed, the result of extensive research justifies the conclusion, 
that the only treatise published in any language, embracing a system 
of breeding asses and mules, is contained in twelve books on the 
husbandry and economy of the Romans, one of the most valuable 
works that has been handed down to us, and written in the reign of 
the Emperor Claudius, by Columella, in which is displayed the geni- 
us of a naturalist, and the labors of an accurate observer. He was 
a native of Cadiz, and owned estates in Spain, where the finest mules 
were then bred, and from whence the patricians and dignitaries of 
Rome were supplied at enormous prices. Varro, to be sure, has 

*The extensive use of mules in Spain at one period, produced fears that the 
breed of horses might decline, and a royal ordinance prohibited their employment 
under the saddle, to all but the high nobility and privileged orders — so that even 
Columbus, one of nature's noblemen, was obliged to apply for permission to ride 
from Seville to court on a mule ; which was granted in consideration that his age 
and infirmities incapacitated him from riding on a horse. — See Irving's Life of Co- 
lumbus. 



tSee farmer's complete farrier. 3 17 

given directions relative to these animals, but so blended with fable, 
as not to deserve attention. In the third book of Virgil's Georgics, 
however, may be found a few lines highly pertinent to the subject of 
breeding mules. 

In our own country, prior to the War of the revolution, a few jacks 
of an ordinary kind were imported — a small number of mules bred ; 
and all exported to the West Indies. I have reference to New Eng- 
land, as I am not aware that any attention was paid to the system in 
the middle or southern states, though it is not improbable that some 
valuable mules may have been raised by the farmers and planters for 
their own use. When peace took place, the price of mules in the 
West Indies excited attention to the breeding of them, which was 
principally confined to Connecticut: and several cargoes of the small 
race of jacks were imported from the Cape de Verd islands, and St. 
Michael, one of the Azores. 

It should be observed that the exportation of jacks from Spain, or 
any of her colonies, was strictly prohibited, and continued to be till 
after the peninsular war. From this miserable stock, a system of 
breeding mules commenced, the best calculated to deteriorate any race 
of animals, that has been or could be devised since their creation. 
The purchaser of a jack, when about to commence mule-dealer, made 
little enquiry concerning him, but of his capacity to propagate a mule. 
He placed him in a district where there was the greatest number of 
mares of qualities so inferior, that their colts would not compensate 
them for the expense of taking them to a horse, and contracted to 
purchase their mules at four months old. Those are kept in herds, 
with precarious shelter in winter, having ample opportunities to 
mature and transfer that propensity for kicking, which seems at first 
merely playful, into an habitual means of defence, to be exercised 
when the biped or any other race of animals approach them. In 
this kicking seminary, they remain two years, and are then driven to 
market. At subsequent periods, a few jacks of higher grades were 
procured, from which a small number of good sized mules were bred 
and a few of them broke. The breed of jacks has now somewhat 
improved, and mule-dealers are now located in most of the New 
England states and some parts of New York. But the system as 
above detailed, with few exceptions, has continued ; and it is from 
such a race of jacks and such a system of breeding and management, 
that the mules have been produced with which the farmers and plant- 
ers of Maryland, Virginia, and the southern states have been suppli- 
ed from New England ; and such have furnished a criterion for a great 
portion of our countrymen to form an estimate of the value and pro- 
perties of this degraded animal. It affords us great pleasure to be 
enabled to pursue our investigation in a higher sphere. 

After the father of his country had secured its liberties and retired 
to Mount Vernon to enjoy his favorite pursuit, a correspondence was 
solicited with this illustrious personage, by many of the most distin- 
guished characters in Europe ; and which he strongly encouraged, if 
the subjects related to agriculture or the arts. Among them was 
Arthur Young, who, by a life devoted to experimental farming and 



318 THE FARMER* S COMPLETE FARRIE3. 

voluminous publications, particularly his tours and annals, infused s 
spirit into the landed interest, which gave an impetus to improvements 
in agriculture and rural economy in Great Britain, that was product" 
ive of such results at a subsequent period, that enabled his country- 
men to subsist, while defending single-handed, their own liberties and 
those of the civilized world. 

The following is an extract of a letter from General Washington 
to Mr. Young, dated, Mount Vernon, December 4, 1788: "I am 
glad to find you are propagating the Spanish breed of sheep in Eng- 
land, and that the wool does not degenerate : — for the multiplication 
of useful domestic animals is a blessing to mankind. I have a pros- 
pect of introducing into this country a very excellent race of animals 
also, by means of the liberality of the King of Spain. One of the 
jacks which he was pleased to present to me, (the other perished at 
sea) is about fifteen hands high, his body and limbs very large in pro- 
portion to his height ; and the mules which I have had from him, 
appear to be extremely well formed for service. I have likewise a 
jack and two jennets from Malta, which the Marquis de Lafayette 
sent to me. The Spanish jack seems calculated to breed for a heavy 
slow draught ; and the others for the saddle, or light carriages. 

"From these altogether, I hope to secure a race of extraordinary 
goodness, which will stock the country. Their longevity and cheap 
keeping, will be circumstances much in their favor. I am convinced 
from the little experiment I have made with the ordinary mules, 
(which perform the same labor with vastly less feeding than horses,) 
that those of a superior quality, will be the best cattle we can employ 
for the harness ; and indeed, in a few years, I intend to drive no 
other in my carriage ; having appropriated for the sole purpose of 
breeding them, upwards of twenty of my best mares." 

It will be recollected, that a few months subsequent to the date of 
this letter, the writer was again called into the service of his country, 
and during a period of eight years, at a very important epocha, could 
not devote a moment's personal attention- to the experiments he had 
contemplated with so much zeal. 

Several of my friends who had viewed the jacks and mules at 
Mount Vernon, in the lifetime of General Washington, gave such 
glowing descriptions of them, and understanding that part of that 
stock was inherited by George W. P. Custis, Esq., I was induced 
to address a few queries to him on the subject: this gentleman, with 
his characteristic urbanity, very promptly furnished replies, with lib- 
erty to make such use of them as I pleased, and I cannot do better, 
than to transcribe them from a letter received about three years since. 
Mr. Custis observes : 

"Royal Gift and Knight of Malta, were sent to Gen. Washington 
about the year 1787; the Gift, with a Jennet, a present from the 
King of Spain; and said to have been selected from the royal stud. 
The Knight, I believe, was from the Marquis de Lafayette, and ship- 
ped from Marseilles. The Gift was a huge and ill shapen jack, near 
sixteen hands high, very large head, clumsy limbs, and to all appear- 
ance little calculated for active service : he was of a grey color, proba- 



1?fiE PARMER^ S COMPLETE FARRIER. 319 

t>Iy not young when imported, and died at Mount Vernon, but little 
valued for his mules, which were unwieldy and dull. The Knight 
was of a moderate size, clean limbed, great activity, the fire and fe- 
rocity of a tiger, a dark brown, nearly black color, white belly and 
muzzle ; could only be managed by one groom, and that always at 
considerable personal risk. Ho lived to a great age, and was so in- 
firm towards the last as to require lifting. He died on my estate in 
New Kent, in the state of Virginia, about 1802 or 3. His mules 
were all active, spirited and serviceable; and from stout mares attain- 
ed considerable size. 

"General Washington bred a favorite jack called Compound, from 
the cross of the Spanish and Maltese. The Knight upon the import- 
ed Spanish Jennet. This jack was a very superior animal: very 
long bodied, well set with all the qualities of the Knight, and the 
weight of the Spanish. He was sire of some of the finest mules at 
Mount Vernon, and died from accident The General bred mules 
from his best coach mares, and found the value of the mule to bear a 
just proportion to the value of the dam. Four mules sold at the sale 
of his effects, for upwards of eight hundred dollars, and two more 
pairs, at upwards of four hundred dollars each pair; one pair of these 
mules were nearly sixteen hands high. The only jacks I know of 
at present, of the genuine Mount Vernon stock, are, one sold by me 
to Judge Johnson, of South Carolina, for five hundred dollars, at 
two years old; one given by me to William Fitzhugh, Esq., and one 
which I believe is possessed by my uncle, George Calvert, Esq., of 
Riversdale. 

" The jack purchased by Judge Johnson, I have understood, has a 
very high reputation in the south. 

"Upon losing my groom, (Peter,) who was the first and last groom 
to the Mount Vernon jacks, I parted with my stock. 

" There are many jacks that have come into the country of late 
years, but of their value and properties I am unable to speak : though 
I rather presume that they are generally small, and only fitted to get 
mules for the cotton cultivation in the light lands of the south. Some 
very fine mules are raised about Hagerstown, Maryland, from jacks 
of the old breed ; they are bred from stout wagon mares. 

"As to my opinion of the value of mules, I shall always appear ex- 
travagant. I have searce a horse on my estates for agricultural pur- 
poses, nor would I accept one as a gift, (except for road wagons,) of 
which I have no need, as my property lies upon navigable water. — 
Nothing ever was so good as mules for the uses of this, our southern 
country; they live longer, eat less, and above all, are better suited to 
our slaves than any other animal could possibly be; their strength, 
patient endurance of privation and hardships, slender pasturage, ex- 
posure — and in short, all those ills to which animals are subject 
where slaves are their masters, give to mules a decided preference in 
all the agricultural states of the south. 

"I do not know of any being trained to the purposes of pleasure 
carriages. They are often ridden, and go pleasantly, with great 
surety of foot. I have no doubt, that in time they will be generally 



320 THE FARMER 9 ^ COMPLETE EARRIERV 

used for carriages, and would particularly suit mail coaches ; they are? 
very swift and have great durability in travelling." 

The Knight of Malta, mentioned by Mr. Custis, was unquestion- 
ably the first Maltese jack ever brought into the United States. The 
second came in the frigate Constitution, on her return, I think, from 
her first cruise in the Mediterranean ; and, I have understood, was 
sold in the District of Columbia, or one of the adjoining states. — 
Since that time, a number have been introduced by officers of the 
navy from Malta— and the large Spanish breed from Minorca and 
Majorca. From the Mount Vernon and those stocks, some fine 
mules have been bred in the middle states, and probably farther south. 
A few valuable Maltese jacks have been imported in merchant ships. 

The impressions received, when on a visit to the West Indies in 
my youth, by observing, on the sugar plantations, the severe labor 
performed by mules in cane mills, induced me, when I commenced 
farming, to purchase the first well broke mule I could light on ; and 
notwithstanding he was so small as to require a vehicle and harness 
constructed purposely for him, his services were found so valuable,-, 
and the economy of using those animals so evident, that I was stimu- 
lated to great exertions for procuring several others of larger size ; in 
this I succeeded, after great difficulty, to such an extent, as to have 
had more labor performed by them on farm and road, for thirty years 
past, than any other person, I presume in New England; and every 
day's experience has served to fortify my conviction of the superior 
utility of the mule over the horse, for all the purposes for which I 
have proposed him as a candidate. And it should be considered, 
that those I have used, were of an ordinary breed, vastly inferior to 
such as may be easily produced in our country, by attention to the 
introduction of a suitable race of jacks, and a proper system of breed- 
ing and management. The question occurs, how is this to be effect- 
ed? I will premise, that there exists a strong analogy between three 
varieties of the horse, and those of the domestic ass, considered the 
most valuable. We have the Arabian, the hunter, and the stout cart 
horse. There is the heavy Spanish jack, with long slouching ears, 
which Mr. Custis has described, that answers to the cart horse; 
another Spanish breed called the Andalusian, with ears shorter and 
erect, of tolerable size, plenty of bone, active, more spirited, and an- 
swering to the hunter. Then comes the Arabian jack, with ears al- 
ways erect, of a delicate form, fine limbs, and full of fire and spirit. 
Judicious crosses from these varieties, will be requisite to produce 
such kind of mules as may be wanted for general purposes. From 
the small jack of African origin, with a list down his back and shoul- 
ders, are bred a small race of mules, by far the most hardy of any. 
With attention to the selection in breeding the jacks, with, perhaps, 
a dash of some cross of the foregoing description, a stock of mules 
may be produced, preferable to all others, for the light lands and 
cotton culture of the middle and southern states. 

To procure any number of Arabian jacks from their native country, 
is hardly practicable at the present time. Egypt has been celebrated 
by Sonnini and other travellers, for superb jacks of the Arabian breed, 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 321 

which probably has been often improved by those introduced by the 
pilgrims from Mecca. I apprehend no great difficulty in obtaining 
them from that country. There is, however, no question, but the 
Maltese jacks are of the Arabian race, more or less degenerated. — 
The most of those brought to this country, that I have ever seen, were 
selected on account of their size, and had been used to the draught. 
I should recommend the selection of those that are esteemed most 
suitable for the saddle, as likely to possess greater purity of blood. 
A jack of this kind was, a number of years since, imported from 
Gibraltar, that had been selected by a British officer at Malta, and 
very much resembled the Knight of Malta described by Mr. Custis. 
I found upon a careful examination, that he differed but little from the 
description I had heard and read of the Arabian race; indeed I could 
discover some prominent points and marks, that agreed with those 
found by Professor Pallas, to belong to the Hemionus, or wild mule 
of Mongalia. From this jack I have a stock, out of a large Spanish 
Jennet of the Andalusian breed, that correspond very minutely with 
Mr. Custis' description of Compound, bred by General Washington, 
and also a mule, that now, not three years old, stands fifteen hands, 
and has other points of great promise. 

Such have been the ravages of war and anarchy in Spain for a long 
time past, that the fine race of jacks that country once possessed, 
have become almost extinct. In Majorca, and probably some part of 
the coast of Spain opposite, the large breed may be obtained ; and 
there formerly was a superior race in Andalusia, which it is hoped 
have been preserved. Crosses on one of these breeds by the Ara- 
bian or Maltese, I consider indispensable to furnish a race of jacks 
for the production of the most desirable mules, uniting the weight 
and bone of one, with the spirit and vigour of the other: although 
their height will in a great measure, depend on the mares; yet if 
sired by full-blooded Maltese jacks, their limbs are too slender and 
their pasterns too long for heavy draught; but for the saddle, espe- 
cially from blood mares, they are admirable, and out of stout mares, 
suitable for light carriages. 

My attention has been but lately directed to breeding mules ; and 
those intended only for my own use. The system adopted, is to 
halter them at four months, and have the males emasculated before 
six months old ; which has great influence on their future conduct, 
and is attended with much less hazard and trouble, than if delayed 
until they are one or two years old, as is the general practice. If they 
are treated gently, and fed occasionally out of the hand, with corn, 
potatoes, &c, they soon become attached ; and when they find that 
" every man's hand is not against them," they will have no propen- 
sity to direct their heels against him, and soon forget they have the 
power. In winter, they should be tied up in separate stalls, and 
often rubbed down. By such treatment, there is not more danger of 
having a vicious mule than a vicious horse — and I am decidedly of 
opinion, that a high spirited mule so managed and well broke, will not 
jeopardize the lives of men, women or children, by any means so much 
as a high spirited horse, however well he may have been trained. 



322 

The longevity of the mule has become so proverbial, that a pur- 
chaser seldom inquires his age. Pliny gives an account of one taken 
from Grecian history, that was eighty years old; and though past 
labor, followed others that were carrying materials to build the temple 
of Minerva at Athens, and seemed to wish to assist them, which so 
pleased the people, that they ordered he should have free egress to 
the grain market. Dr. Rees mentions two that were seventy years 
old in England. I saw myself a mule perform his task in a cane 
mill, that his owner assured me was forty years old. I now own a 
mare mule, twenty -five years old, that I have had in constant work 
twenty-one years, and can discover no diminution in her powers ; she 
has within a year past, often taken upwards of a ton weight in a 
wagon to Boston, a distance of more than five miles. A gentleman 
in my neighborhood has owned a very large mule about fourteen 
years, that eannot be less than twenty-eight years old. He informed 
me a few days since, that he could not perceive the least failure in 
him, and would not exchange him for any farm horse in the country. 
And I am just informed, from a source entitled to perfect confidence, 
that a highly respectable gentleman and eminent agriculturalist, near 
Centreville, on the eastern shore of Maryland, owns a mule, that is 
thirty-five years old, as capable of labor as at any former period. 

The great Roman naturalist, in one of the most beautiful passages 
of his elaborate history of nature, observes that "the earth is con- 
stantly teazed more to furnish the luxuries of man than his necessi- 
ties."* We can have no doubt but that the remark applied with great 
justice to the habits of the Romans in the time of Pliny; and I am 
confident, that ample proofs can be adduced, that it will lose none of 
its force or truth, at the present period, in all northern climates, or 
any section of the United States where the horse is employed for 
agriculture as well as for pleasure. Far be it from me, however, to 
disparage this noble animal, on the contrary, I feel a strong attach- 
ment for him ; and at the same time, a full conviction, that the sub- 
stitution of the mule, for the purposes before stated, as extensively 
as may be consistent with the requisite production of each species, 
will have the effect of restoring the horse to the station from which 
he has been degraded, and place him, as in former ages, upon a more 
dignified footing — an object of acknowledged luxury ; and thereby 
introduce a more correct system of breeding and management, in 
which our countrymen are so generally deficient, consequently more 
perfect animals, and such an advance in the price of them, that will 

*" It is the earth, that like a kind mother, receives us at our birth, and sustains 
us when born. It is this alone, of all the enemies around us, that is never found 
an enemy to man. The body of waters deluge him with rains, oppress him with 
hail, and drown him with inundations ; the air rushes on in storms, prepares the 
tempest, or lights up the volcano; but the earth, gentle and indulgent, ever subser- 
vient to the wants of man, spreads his walks with flowers, and his table with plen- 
ty; returns with interest every good committed to her care, and though she pro- 
duces the poison, she still furnishes the antidote, though constantly teazed more to 
furnish the luxuries of man than his necessities, yet even to the last she continues 
her kind indulgence, and when life is over, she piouslv hides his remains in her 
bosom."— PJim/'s Natural History, Book II, Ch. 63. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER, 323 

afford the farmer what he is now a stranger to — such remuneration as 
will make his brood mares a profitable species of stock. And it is 
obvious, that the system will be followed by an improvement in the 
breed of mules, in the same ratio as the miserable race of scrub mares, 
which are now consuming the profits of agriculture, shall become 
extinct. 

It does not appear that the horse was employed by the ancients for 
any purpose of husbandry. The ox and the ass drew the plough 
and the wain, and performed all kinds of drudgery, until after the 
feudal system was established in Europe; when it is probable, that 
the numerous retainers of the feudal lords, who held their lands by 
the tenure of performing knight's service, found themselves under the 
necessity of making the horses they were obliged to keep, contribute 
towards their support in the cultivation. From this time I believe 
we may date, and to this cause may be attributed the introduction of 
the horse for the purposes of agriculture. Since that period, the his- 
tory of Europe is little else than the annals of war and its prepara- 
tions ; and no material for that scourge, except the deluded human 
victims, seems more necessary than the horse ; accordingly we find, 
that throughout the whole country, from the Rhine or the Seine, to 
beyond the Danube and Vistula, which has been the principal arena, 
the system of agriculture has embraced extensively, the breeding of 
horses of grades and forms adapted to the several uses of war. In- 
deed, whole provinces are appropriated almost exclusively to the 
rearing of those animals for disposal to the different combatants ; and it 
must be obvious, that their general use in husbandry, at the same 
time, would follow as a necessary consequence. It cannot be expect- 
ed, therefore, but that the Dutch and Germans who have emigrated to 
our country, should bring with them such strong predilections for 
the horse, which have continued with most of their descendants, es- 
pecially in those sections where communities of that respectable and 
industrious portion of our population have been located. In Great 
Britain, to the causes which have produced the effects described on 
the continent, may be added the insular position of the United King- 
dom, vulnerable from numberless and distant points, the horse has 
been considered, in connection with the unconquerable spirit of the 
nation, as one of the most efficient means of repelling invasion. A 
circumstance that would itself be sufficient to account for the over- 
weaning attachment to this animal. But identified, as his services 
have been for a long period, with the convenience, sports and recrea- 
tions of all ranks and classes, and the science of breeding and training 
forming a characteristic feature, it could not excite surprise, if the ap- 
proach of that terrible spectre, famine, should produce little or no 
effect in the reduction of the number. And although some of the 
most distinguished characters of the nation, eminent for their practical 
knowledge in rural affairs, have been for half a century, advocating 
the substitution of the ox for the purposes of agriculture, and demon- 
strating the feasibility, economy, and vast saving of food, yet it is 
said the number of laboring oxen have lately diminished and horses 
increased. Five millions of the latter are now supposed to subsist 



324 the farmer's complete farrier. 

in the United Kingdom, and two-thirds employed in husbandry — con- 
suming, at a moderate estimate, the produce of twenty millions of 
highly cultivated acres.* And what is the consequence ? Consump- 
tion follows so closely upon supply, that at every season of harvest, 
let the preceding one be ever so abundant, fast sailing vessels are rid- 
ing in the various ports with their anchors atrip, to convey intelli- 
gence of the result to all parts of the world where a surplus of bread 
corn is grown — exciting such an interest in our own country, that 
the farmer on the shores of Erie and Ontario, and on the banks of 
the Ohio, may be seen reading bulletins of British weather — the 
rain and sunshine of every day in July, and the two following 
months — often within thirty days after the time of their publication 
in London or Liverpool. Can it be supposed that in a country, where 
an attachment to the horse borders so nearly upon infatuation, that the 
question of the utility of the mule as a substitute, would be seriously 
agitated, or engage scarce a momentary investigation? 

In no country is the mule better adapted to all the purposes of hus- 
bandry, for which the horse is used, than in every section of our 
own. And it would be highly desirable to be able to exhibit a cal- 
culation of the actual saving in dollars and cents, by his employment; 
but unfortunately, no correct data can be had. And as I consider such 
calculations, unless founded on experimental facts, and those multi- 
plied, to be as "tinkling cymbals," I shall merely submit a desultory 
comparison between the mule and the horse, derived from such facts 
as my own experience, and information from authentic sources, will 
justify the assumption of. 

From what has been stated respecting the longevity of the mule, I 
think it may be fairly assumed, that he does not deteriorate more 
rapidly after twenty years of age, than the horse after ten, allowing 
the same extent of work and similar treatment to each. The contrast 
in the mule's freedom from malady and disease, compared with the 
horse, is not less striking. Arthur Young, during his tour in Ireland, 
was informed, that a gentleman had lost several fine mules, by feed- 
ing them on wheat straw cut. And I have been informed, that a 
mule-dealer in the western part of New York, attributed the loss of a 
number of young mules during a severe winter, when his hay was 
exhausted, to feeding them exclusively on cut straw and Indian corn 
meal. In no other instance have I ever heard or known of a mule 
being attacked with any disorder or complaint, except two or three 
cases of inflammation of the intestines, caused by gross neglect in 
permitting them to remain exposed to cold and wet, when in a high 



*Mr. Pitt, in an able "essay on the consumption of corn," published by the 
Board of Agriculture in 1806, estimates that each draught horse employed on 
roads, canals and mines, in pleasure carriages of all descriptions, and carts in cities, 
consumes the average product of four acres for oats and beans, and three acres for 
hay. It is stated in the same essay, that " the aggregate of oats imported into Eng- 
land (only) for twenty years ending in 1797, amounted to the enormous quantity of 
eight millions six hundred and fifty-five thousand and forty-six quarters," — up- 
wards of sixty-nine millions of bushels!— See " Communications to the Board of 
Agriculture," Vol. V, 



325 

state of perspiration after severe labor, and drinking to excess of cold 
water. From his light frame and more cautious movements, the 
mule is less subject to casualties than the horse. Indeed, it is not 
improbable, that a farmer may work the same team of mules above 
twenty years, and never be presented with a farrier's bill, or find it 
necessary to exercise the art himself. 

Sir John Sinclair, in his ' Reports on the Agriculture of Scotland,' 
remarks, that "if the whole period of a horse's labor be fifteen years, 
the first six may be equal in value to the remaining nine ; therefore, 
a horse of ten years old, after working six years, may be worth half 
his original value." He estimates the annual decrease of a horse, to 
be equal to fifty per cent, on his price, every six years, and supposes 
one out of twenty-five, that, are regularly employed in agriculture, to 
die every year; constituting a charge of four per cent, per annum 
for insurance against diseases and accidents. He considers five acres 
of land of a medium quality, necessary for the maintenance of each 
horse, and the annual expense, including harness, shoeing, farriery, 
insurance, and decline in value, allowing him to cost two hundred 
dollars, to exceed that sum about five per cent, which is the only dif- 
ference between the estimate of this illustrious and accurate agricul- 
turalist, and that of a respectable committee of the Farmer's Society of 
Barnwell district, South Carolina, who, in a report published in the 
Charleston Courier of the twenty-third of February last, state, that 
"the annual expense of keeping ahorse, is equal to his value!" — 
The same committee also state, that "at four years old, a horse will 
seldom sell for more than the expense of rearing him." That "the 
superiority of the mule over the horse, had long been appreciated by 
some of the most judicious planters ; that two mules could be raised 
at less expense than one horse ; that a mule is fit for service at an 
earlier age, if of sufficient size — will perform as much labor, and if 
attended to, when first put to work, his gait and habits may be formed 
to suit the taste of the owner." This report may be considered a 
most valuable document, emanating, as it does, from enlightened 
practical farmers and planters, in a section of our country, where we 
may suppose a horse can be maintained cheaper than in Maryland, 
or any state farther north. 

I am convinced that the small breed of mules will consume less 
food in proportion to the labor they are capable of performing, than 
the large race, but I shall confine the comparison to the latter — those 
that stand from fourteen and a-half to rising of fifteen hands, and 
equal to any labor that a horse is usually put to. From repeated 
experiments, in the course of two winters, I found that three mules 
of this description, that were constantly at work, consumed about the 
same quantity of hay, and one-fourth the provender that was given to 
two middling sized coach horses moderately worked. And from 
many years attentive observation, I am led to believe that a large 
sized mule will not require more than from three-fifths to two-thirds 
the food to keep him in good order, that will be necessary for a horse 
performing the same extent of labor. Although a mule will work 
and endure on such mean and hard fare, that a horse would soon 



326 the farmer's complete farrier. 

give out upon, he has an equal relish for that which is good ; and it 
is strict economy to indulge him, for no animal will pay better for 
extra keeping by extra work. But if by hard fare, or hard work, he 
is reduced to a skeleton, two or three weeks' rest and good keeping 
will put him in flesh and high condition for labor. I have witnessed 
several such examples with subjects twenty years old; so much can- 
not be said of a horse at half that age. The expense of shoeing a 
mule the year round, does not amount to more than one-third that of 
a horse, his hoofs being harder, more horny, and so slow in their 
growth, the shoes require no removal, and hold on till worn out; and 
the wear, from the lightness of the animal, is much less. 

In answer to the charge generally prevalent against the mule, that 
he is "vicious, stubborn and slow," I can assert, that out of about 
twenty that have been employed on my estate at different periods 
during a course of thirty years, and those picked up chiefly on ac- 
count of their size and spirit, wherever they could be found, one only 
had any vicious propensities, and those might have been subdued by 
proper management when young. I have always found them truer 
pullers and quicker travellers, with a load, than horses.* Their 
vision and hearing is much more accurate. I have used them in my 
family carriage, in a gig, and under the saddle ; and have never known 
one to start or run from any object or noise; a fault in the horse that 
continually causes the maiming and death of numbers of human be- 
ings. The mule is more steady in his draught, and less likely to 
wast his strength than the horse : hence more suitable to work with 
oxen ; and as he walks faster, will habituate them to a quicker gait. 
But for none of the purposes of agriculture does this superiority ap- 
pear more conspicuous than ploughing among crops ; his feet being 
smaller and follow each other so much more in a line, that he seldom 
treads down the ridges or crops. The facility of instructing him to 
obey implicitly the voice of his driver or the ploughman, is astonish- 
ing. The best ploughed tillage land I ever saw, I have had performed 
by two mules tandem, without lines or driver. 

There is one plausible objection often urged against the mule, that 
"on deep soils and deep roads, his feet being so much smaller than 
those of the horse, sink farther in;" but it should be considered that 
he can extricate them with as much greater facility.! 

A most unaccountable prejudice exists among many farmers, that 
"if a mare once brings a mule, she will never after take a horse." 
Such an idea would not deserve refutation, were it not entertained by 
men of sound understanding. Now I have made particular enquiry 
among a number of mule breeders, who uniformly agree that the 

* The testimony of many respectable farmers, we have on this subject, goes to 
corroborate that the mule is not so vicious as is believed by some. We called to 
see J. G. Rupp's mules, and found them as gentle and docile as any horse. Mr. 
Rupp informed us he would not exchange one of his mules for the best horse — 
they answer admirably well for all agricultural purposes. — Compiler. 

-j-If the small feet are objections or defects — the defects may be remedied in 
some measure, by making the shoe broad, wider, and a little larger, especially at 
the toe, which will considerably enlarge the base of the foot. — Compiler. 



327 

notion has not the least foundation in truth. And it is a fact that I 
have myself had mares that had brought two mUies in succession, 
that obtained surreptitiously, access to a horse, and brought colts, 
much against my inclination and interest. 

Few can be ignorant of the capacity of the mule to endure labor 
in a temperature of heat that would be destructive to the horse, who 
have any knowledge of the preference for him merely on that ac- 
count, in the West Indies, and in the southern states. 

It is full time to bring our comparison to a close ; which I shall do 
by assuming the position, that the farmer, who substitutes mules for 
horses, will have this portion of his animal labor performed, with the 
expense of one spire of grass instead of two ; which may be equal, 
so far, to making "two spires grow where one grew before." For 
although a large sized mule will consume somewhat more than half 
the food necessary for a horse, as has been observed, yet if we take 
into the account the saving in expense of shoeing, farriery, and in- 
surance against diseases and accidents, we may safely affirm, that a 
clear saving of one-half can be substantiated. But in addition to this, 
the mule farmer may calculate, w r ith tolerable certainty, upon the con- 
tinuation of his capital for thirty years ; whereas the horse farmer, 
at the expiration of fifteen years, must look to his crops, to his acres, 
or a bank, for the renewal of his — or, perhaps, what is worse, he 
must commence horse jockey at an early period. 

The intense interest with which the public mind is at present 
occupied on the subject of canals now in operation and progress, 
encourages me to offer the mule as an important auxiliary in the 
economy of their management; as, I trust, it will not be denied, that 
on the cheapness of transportation on them, depends their utility, as 
well as profit to the stockholders. The mule seems so peculiarly 
adapted for the labor on canals, that compared with the horse, he may 
be considered almost equal to a locomotive power engine. Among 
the advantages we have enumerated respecting his use in husbandry, 
the most of which are applicable to canal labor, that of the much 
greater security from diseases and casualties, which must necessarily 
require a great number of supernumerary horses, to prevent interrup- 
tion in the line of passage, is not the least important ; nor is the very 
trifling expense at which the mule can be supported during the win- 
ter months, as he will bear being taken off his feed till the boats are 
about to be launched in the spring, and in a few days can be made fit for 
efficient duty — while a horse will require at least half feed if he does 
nothing, or must be fed high for some time before he can res'ume the 
labor demanded of him. The same advantages may be derived by 
his employment on railways. 

In a communication published in the Utica Observer, the 16th of 
May inst,, by Henry Seymour, one of the canal commissioners of 
New York, it is stated that a packet boat on the Erie canal requires 
a team of three horses to tow sixteen miles — going eighty miles in 
the twenty-four hours, including stoppages and detention at locks ; 
the relays demanding fifteen horses for each nautical day. If it takes 
five days for a boat to be towed from Lake Erie to the Hudson, seven- 



328 the farmer's complete farrier. 

ty-five horses will be required. I am not certain but it may be done 
in a little less time, but as there must always be supernumeraries kept, 
we shall be within bounds to estimate that number. In the same 
communication, the expense of each horse is estimated at fifty cents 
per day, I presume for subsistence and other items only, without re- 
ference to interest or deterioration of capital, for the object of the esti- 
mate seems merely to show a comparison between the packet boats 
and freight boats, on a question of profit and loss ; as it is remarked, 
that "many contingent expenses might be added to both.". The 
freight boats require but two horses, and allowing for the time occu- 
pied in taking in and discharging their cargoes, with the other neces- 
sary detentions, average forty miles per day — which being double 
the time of the packet boats, although they may not require the same 
number of relays, the expense cannot materially differ. From these 
premises we may conclude, that for every boat navigating the grand 
Erie canal, there must be expended seventy-five dollars for the sub- 
sistence of the horses, each time they tow her from the Lake to the 
Hudson and back. Now if this can be done as effectually by mules 
for one-half this sum, and with an extension of capital free of inter- 
est, fifteen years longer than that vested in horses, the aggregate of this 
immense saving will appear by ascertaining the number of boats at 
the present time on the canal. But this is out of my power ; and I 
should, perhaps, lead the reader nearer the verge of incredulity, were 
I to offer my own prediction what that number will be, thirty years 
hence, the ordinary period of a mule's labor. 

I cannot resist an impulse to exhibit the mule in one other point 
of view. For the movement of machinery, the employment of this 
animal, when judiciously selected, has met with a decided preference, 
in comparison with the horse, independent of the economy in using 
him. And if we consider the rapid, and probably progressive 
increase of labor saving machines, in every department where they 
can be made subservient to the requirements of society, it is evi- 
dent that there will be a corresponding demand for animal power, 
as well as for that, more potent, derived from the elements ; and al- 
though the latter may vastly predominate, yet should the horse be 
employed, and his increase for other purposes continue, as it now 
does, in the ratio of population, the number at no very distant period, 
may become as alarming in our own, as it is at present in our mother 
country. And notwithstanding we may feel secure, from the extent 
of our territory and extreme diversity of soil and climate, but above 
all, from being in possession of Indian corn — the golden fleece found 
by our "pilgrim fathers," when they first landed on these shores; 
yet such peculiar advantages may not insure us against the visitations 
of one of the most distressing calamities that a feeling community 
can possibly be subjected to. 



AN APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING SOME ADDITIONAL REMARKS ON, AND RECEIPTS FOR, 

THE DISEASES OF HORSES; 

MANY VALUABLE RECEIPTS AND DIRECTIONS TO CURE THE DISEASES, 
DISORDERS AND DISTEMPERS INCIDENT TO 

COWS, OXEN, CALVES, SHEEP, SWINE AND DOGS; 
HINTS TOUCHING RAISING, &c, OF POULTRY; 

THE WHOLE SELECTED FROM YARIOUS ENGLISH, FRENCH AND GERMAN 

AUTHORS, TRANSLATED, AND ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED 

UNDER THE FOLLOWING GENERAL HEADS : 

I.— OF HORSES. 

II.— OF COWS, OXEN & CALVES. 
III.— OF SHEEP. 
IV.— OF SWINE. 

V.— OF DOGS. 
VI.— OF POULTRY. 



22 






PART THIRD. 

[APPENDIX.] 



I.— OF THE HORSE. 

Anbury is a bloody wart on a horse's body. An experienced 
farrier of Chester county, Pennsylvania, says : for an anbury, take 
a hot iron and make it very sharp : then take the anbury in your hand 
and sear it off to the bottom with the iron red hot; then mix a little 
verdigris powdered, and train oil; heat them, and anoint the place 
once a day till it be cured. 

JBasilicon ointment. — To make this valuable ointment, take honey, 
storax, galbanum, bdellium, black pepper, the marrow of a stag, of 
each, a like quantity ; twice as much^ ammoniac, and as much of the 
powder of frankincense ; incorporate them with sheep's suet. 

Back."— -To cure aJwrse's sore bach. — If the wound is bad it must 
be laid open to the bottom, and digested with horse turpentine, beat 
up into the yolk of an egg, now and then washing it with a little 
spirits of wine ; thus you need not fear the fistula. When drawn a 
little, dress it with the above mentioned black salve made hot, and 
spread on tow, or a thick linen rag, in order to incarn and heal it. 

Brittle hoofs. — Some horses have very brittle hoofs ; to make 
them grow tough and strong, take equal quantities of dog's grease, 
turpentine " and tar, boiled together; anoint the hoofs three times a 
day. 

Bruise, inward. — For an inward bruise, take one and a-half pint of 
strong beer ; one and a-half ounce of bole ammoniac ; boil them a 
little together, and give it to him lukewarm, with a horn. It is very 
good, says JefFeries, for an inward bruise of a beast. 

Bots. — First bleed the horse copiously in the mouth, that he may 
swallow much of the blood ; elevate his head considerably; or should 
he not swallow any, take three pints of milk and sweeten it well 
with molasses, and drench him with it lukewarm ; suffer him to stand 
for forty -five or fifty minutes; the bots will during this time let loose 
their hold, and fill themselves with the blood, or milk and molasses ; 



332 the farmer's complete farrier. 

then take a pint of linseed oil ; give him one-half, and the remainder 
next morning; it is so safe that you may ride or work him immedi- 
ately after it. The oil given will kill them instantly. — Proved. 

An experienced farmer, in reply to the question ; what is the most 
convenient and effectual remedy to cure bots, or that will afford im- 
mediate relief? says: take one pint of linseed oil, and one gill of spirits 
of turpentine ; mix, and give it to the afflicted animal, with a horn. 
I have tried it often, and it never failed. 

Another, from one of the oldest books, on this subject, that has 
ever been printed in the United States. Take one-half pint of urine ; 
one gill of rum ; of pepper and gun powder, a large spoonful of 
each; shake them well together, and teem it in your horse. It is 
said to be an absolute cure. 

Blisters, ointment for.— Nerve, and marshmallow ointments, of 
each, two ounces ; of quicksilver and Venice turpentine, one ounce 
of each ; one and a-half dram of Spanish flies powdered, a dram of 
sublimate, and two drams of origanum. 

Previous to the application of a blister to any part of a horse, the 
hair should either be shaved or cut off as close as possible; the blis- 
tering ointment should be regularly spread with a warm knife on a 
stout piece of oznaburgs ; and during the operation of the blister, the 
horse should be tied short to prevent his biting the part or doing other 
injury. 

Blister.— Take of Spanish flies half an ounce ; oil of turpentinO, 
one ounce; hog's lard, four ounces ; mix them well together; or 

Take of tar, four ounces ; vitriolic acid, two drams ; oil of origa- 
num, half an ounce ; hog's lard, two ounces ; Spanish flies, two 
ounces. This blister is excellent for the spavin. 

Colic.'— To cure colic, take a handful of the herb called shepherd's 
purse, and boil it in a quart of strong ale, and when lukewarm, take 
the seeds of wood-roof, stamp them, put them into it; then give it to 
the horse, — Jefferies, 

Colic (Lowther's) tincture. — Take senna, guiacum, licorice sliced 
small, aniseed, elecampane root, coriander seed, of each, two ounces; 
opium;' one-half ounce ; one pound of raisins ; let the whole be bruised 
and mixed, and add two quarts of brandy and one quart of whisky. 
The dose is ten ounces. It will give immediate relief; then drench 
with one quart of a strong, warm, decoction of tansy ; it will cure. 

Proved. 

Cramp is a contraction of sinews of any one member. To cure 
or relieve the suffering animal, is first to chafe and rub the member 
contracted with vinegar and common oil, and then wrap it all over 
with wet hay, or else with woolen cloths dipped in a decoction of 
catnip, either of which is a present remedy. 



333 

Crown scab is a cankerous matter on the coronet and on the heels. 
To cure it, take turpentine, honey, hog's grease, wax, and sheep's 
suet, of each, two ounces; melt them together, and boil it to a salve; 
apply it, and it will cure this or any other wound. 

Costiveness. — Take rye straw, cut it fine, scald and wet it well ; 
then mix rye meal or bran with it, and a small portion of linseed 
meal, and let the horse eat it very warm; it will soon loosen him. 

Proved. 

Dropsy. — JefTeries recommends the following: In one gallon of 
beer, put a quantity of wormwood seed, leaves and stalks, and boil it 
to a quart; skim and strain it; then add to it three ounces of treacle ; 
one and a-half ounce of long pepper, beaten to powder; bleed him 
in the neck vein after he has stood awhile; give him the drench, and 
rub his fore-legs with train oil ; then turn him to pasture. 

Diabetes is a profuse staling. The following is an efficient cure : 
Take liver of sulphur, two drams ; uva ursi, four drams ; oak bark, 
one ounce; catechu, one-half ounce ; alum, one-half dram ; give as 
a daily drink, in a pint of water. 

Another simple but effectual remedy. Take juniper berries, bur- 
dock and marsh mallows, of each, a handful; garlic, two tubers or heads; 
and three quarts of water; mix and bruise ; strain it; give the whole at 
once as a drench ; repeat if necessary. 

Digestives are applications to recent or old wounds.*— See Wounds. 
A weak solution of blue vitriol is an excellent digestive ; so is the 
tincture of aloes, and the tincture of myrrh. 

Distemper. — We here insert the following on distemper, from a 
celebrated German work, written by John Joseph Zuend, Thierarzt. 
Passing, we remark, that our friend, Mr. John Beck, of Litiz, Lan- 
caster county, Pennsylvania, kindly furnished the book from which 
we translated this and other valuable articles : 

Treatment of distemper. — The animal must be kept warm, by 
clothing him with a rug; especially, should the enlarged glands be 
kept warm by applying skins with fur on, which will act as a discu- 
tient, or promote suppuration. Cold water is injurious ; the horse 
should have comfortable litter to repose on. 

Administer the following from two to five times a day: Pulverized 
gentian, one ounce; glauber salts, three ounces; and crude antimony, 
mixed. 

It will be highly beneficial to take a considerable quantity of live 
coals, and pulverize them in a suitable vessel, holding them to the 
nostrils of the animal so that he may inhale the fumes ; in obstinate 
cases this should be repeated twice a day, especially in dry, cold 
weather. This powder will remove all acrimony in the nose, and 
will diminish the mucous discharge. Should the swelling of the glands 
be obstinate, apply the following mixture : Take one-fourth ounce 



334 THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

of laurel oil; one -half ounce turpentine. If the swollen glands be- 
gin to suppurate, they should not be lanced till fully brought to a head ; 
then make an incision to let the pus discharge, and it will soon heal. 
If the animal should not be relieved upon the above treatment, then 
take the following : Pulverized gentian, calamus, and sulphur, of each, 
one ounce ; one-eighth ounce of factitious cinnabar, and a tea spoon- 
ful of oil of turpentine ; mixed with meal and water ; give it twice 
daily for several days. — Zuend. 

Embrocations, or liquid applications, spirits of wine, tincture of 
various herbs, such as yarrow, tansy, &c, hot vinegar, mixed with 
salt and common soap, all form excellent embrocations. The follow- 
ing forms an excellent one. Take one quart of whisky, and put it 
in a kettle and warm it; don't let it take fire; put in as much com- 
mon soap as it will dissolve, then bottle it and add one-half ounce of 
gum camphor; one-half ounce sal ammonia; one ounce of oil of ori- 
ganum ; one-half ounce of oil of wormwood; before you apply it, 
wash the affected part with warm vinegar or spirits of wine. 

Another excellent one. 

Take alcohol, one pint ; spirits of turpentine, one-half pint ; linseed 
oil, one gill ; oil of amber, one-half gill ; oil of juniper and mineral 
tar, of each, one gill ; camphor, one-half ounce. 

Another. 

Take sal volatile, one ounce; laudanum, spirits, two ounces ; min- 
dererus spirits, five ounces ; sugar of lead, one-half ounce ; vinegar, 
one pint; Goulard's extract, one-half ounce ; spirits of camphor, one 
ounce ; and one pint of water. 

Eye water for a horse's eyes. — Take lapis caliminaris, Venetian 
bole, white vitriol, of each, one ounce ; boil them in four quarts of 
Avater, in an earthen glazed pipkin, till it comes to one quart. Then 
add two drams of sugar of lead, and salt of vitriol, and camphor dis- 
solved in alcohol, one-quarter of an ounce; tincture of aloes, one- 
half ounce ; red rose water, two gills ; prepared tutly, one-half 
ounce ; mix, and keep it in a bottle for use. 

Montague says, this exceeds all other eye waters, even to cure the 
stroke of the whipcord on the eye, if swelled by that or a blow ; first 
boil butter and beer with it till the swelling is gone, then use the eye- 
water. 

Eyes, sore ones. — - The juice of onions is excellent to wash sore 
eyes ; it takes away dimness, mists, clouds, spots or haws. 

Film in a horses eye.-— 'Take, says JefFeries, a piece of very salt 
beef, dry it in an oven, and beat it to powder : take licorice stick, dry 
it, and beat it to powder : searce it through a fine searce, and blow 
them into the horse's eye once a day, and it will remove the film by 
two or three times doing; if a rheum attends the eye at the same 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 335 

time, dip a little flax in some melted rosin, and lay it in the hole over 
the horse's eye. 

Fistula. — To cure a fistula, first sear the fistula with a hot iron 
until the skin looks yellow, then make a plaster of rosin, sheep's suet 
and brimstone, melted together, and lay it on hot, but not to scald ; 
if it is broke, or likely to break, then lay on a plaster of shoemaker's 
wax, spread on alumed leather ; take verdigris, butter, and salt, well 
mixed and melted together, pour it scalding hot into the sore, and use 
this till the flesh looks red ; then tent with verdigris, burnt alum, 
wheat flour and the yolks of eggs, well beaten and mingled together, 
till it is healed : to skin it, take barm and soot mixed together, and 
spread it on the sore ; it is a perfect cure ; the searing, and plaster of 
rosin, soot and brimstone, is very good for windgalls. — Jefferies. 

Galls — windgalls. — An intelligent and experienced farmer, rising 
of seventy years of age, residing in Allen township, Cumberland 
county, has assured us that the following ointment, if applied two or 
three times a day, will cure the most obstinate windgalls. 

Take one pound of the leaves of stramonium, (Jamestown weed,) 
bruised ; two pounds of fresh butter or hog's lard, and one gill of the 
spirits of turpentine ; put the whole of the ingredients into a clean 
earthen crock and place it with the contents over live coals for twen- 
ty or thirty minutes, stirring it occasionally; then strain it through 
a coarse cloth or canvass, and it forms a consistent ointment, with 
which anoint the windgalls two or three times a day. 

Fifty dollars had been offered for the above receipt, so says our in- 
formant, who kindly furnished it. 

Gigs, small tumors, vesicles or bladders in the mouth's of horses. 
The only cure is to cut or slit them open to discharge the matter, and 
then wash them with salt and water. 

Glanders. — In a valuable book before us, called " The Complete 
Farrier," printed 1809, Philadelphia, we find some useful remarks, 
which we insert below. 

The strangles have sometimes been mistaken for glanders or 
sore throat, but in this disease the inflamed glands very soon suppu- 
rate and burst, whereby all the other symptoms are generally re- 
moved, whilst in the glanders, the glands seldom suppurate : in order, 
however, to avoid all danger, it is advisable, the moment a horse is 
perceived to have a discharge from his nose, to put him into a stable 
where he can have no communication with other horses : if the glands 
of the throat are enlarged and inflamed, apply a large poultice to them ; 
steam the head three or four times a day ; let him be well clothed par- 
ticularly about the head, and give him of powdered nitre, one ounce, 
and an unwashed calx of antimony, two drams, mixed, for a dose 
every day, or once in twelve hours. Should the discharge arise from 
a cold, it will soon be removed by that means. When considerable 



336 

ulceration is perceived in the nose, with the other concomitant symp- 
toms of glanders, the horse should be destroyed instantly. 

The most effectual mode of purifying stables in which glandered 
horses have been kept, is to remove or carefully wash every thing 
on which the horse may have deposited any matter, and afterwards 
to cover every part of the stable with a thick coat of lime and size. 

Grease. — Wash the parts affected with a strong solution of salt 
and vinegar, twice a day, then follow it with the following fomenta- 
tion : Take wormwood, eight handfuls; John's wort, centaury, cam- 
omile, of each, four handfuls ; elder blossoms, two handfuls ; bay- 
berries, one-half pound ; boil them in two gallons of water, till one 
third is consumed, and make a fomentation. 

The horse's legs are to be bathed twice a day, with woolen cloths 
wrung out of the liquor, and applied as hot as he can bear them, add- 
ing a little of the spirit of wine or brandy. And if they are much 
inflamed, omit the washing with salt and vinegar ; apply the fomen- 
tation four times a day ; washing it previously with soft soap and a 
decoction of black walnut bark. If accompanied with much swell- 
ing, bathe the parts repeatedly with the camphorated spirits of wine. 
This is made by putting an ounce of gum camphor into a pint of 
spirit. The legs should be frequently rubbed with a good wisp of 
hay, or a brush. This cure has never failed. — Shellenhammer. 

Gripes, gullion, spasmodic colic.' — Dr. Winters recommends that 
if a colt has the colic, the following : 

Fresh beef broth, one quart; sweet oil, three spoonfuls; oil of 
lillies, one spoonful; one-half ounce of salt; one dram of helle- 
bore, (the root,) mix, and use it as a clyster. Then give the follow- 
ing as a drench: decoction of birth- wort, one quart;" pulverized 
laurel berries, one ounce ; mix, and give it. 

Hidebound is a state of the skin, when the interstitial matter be- 
tween that and the fleshy panicle is not in a state to allow of its pli- 
ancy and elasticity. Vegelius, a distinguished writer, recommends 
the anointing the whole body with oil and wine mixed together, 
rubbing them strongly against the hair, in a warm sun, in order that 
the skin may be relaxed, and a sweat break out ; after which the 
horse should be well curried, and placed in a warm stable, with 
plenty of litter. 

Whatever cure may be tried, the horse must have rest for some 
time, and be fed with sweet, good hay, or grass according to the sea- 
son of the year. In spring there is nothing better than new grass. — 
Mills. 

. If the directions of a very old writer were observed, few horses 
would become hidebound. Columella observes, "that the bodies of 
cattle ought to be rubbed down daily, as well as the bodies of men;" 
and says "that it often does them more good to have their backs well 
rubbed down, than their bellies over-filled with crude provender."— 
Deane. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 337 

We cannot forbear noticing a remedy we saw in a book. The 
operation is not only simple but cruel. " The head and legs of the 
horse being secured, two men, one on each side, pull the hide from 
the ribs in about fifty places, with pincers. " The unfortunate ani- 
mal must certainly have an unkind master to suffer his horse to be 
thus treated. A similar cure is recommended in a book published, 
in 1840, Pennsylvania. See Philadelphia edition, of Winter's, p. 
715. We would say, do not try the cure — it is worse than a 
"hoaks." 

Jefferies recommends : First let him blood in the neck vein, then 
give him this drink : take celandine, two handfuls ; of wormwood 
and rue, one handful of each, (if it be in summer, the leaves and 
stalks will do, but if in winter, use the roots and all,) chop them, and 
put the whole into three quarts of strong beer; boil them till they are 
reduced to a quart, then strain all the moisture from the herbs, and 
dissolve it in three ounces of molasses, and give it to the horse luke- 
warm, fasting; then for a week together, rub the horse's body all over 
with oil and beer, or butter and beer, against the hair. 

Let his diet be warm mashes of malt or bursting oats, rye or barley, 
and he will soon recover. 

Heels, kibed. — Take of wine lees mixed with soap like an ointment ; 
dress the sores therewith, and it will in forty-eight hours heal any 
mules, pains, and scratches whatsoever — the leaves and roots of 
elder are good to dry up any of those evil humors. — Jefferies, 

Horse spice,? — This invaluable preparation is highly recommended 
as a drink for a cold, and to make ahorse thrive and prevent disease. 

Take one-quarter of a pound of aniseed and English licorice, 
fennel, brimstone, of each — slice the licorice and dry and beat them 
all together. Then add one-half pound of elecampane, powdered; 
mix the whole and keep for use. An ounce of this spice, with a 
spoonful of sallad oil, and a spoonful of treacle-jean, is a good drink 
in a quart of strong beer. 

If on letting your horse blood, you wish to give him a drink, put an 
ounce of this spice in a pint of strong beer heated lukewarm, and 
give it in the morning fasting ; let him stand in the stable, and give 
him warm water to drink, and a mash. 

Ives, or properly Vives, is supposed to be a relic of strangles — it 
is an enlargement of the parotid glands. — See Part I. — Vives. 

Let blood in both his veins, then take two spoonfuls of pepper ^as 
much hog's grease, and as much vinegar, and work them together, 
and put them equally into each ear, and put a little wool or flax in 
afterwards ; then stick up the ears for twenty-four hours. Let him 
stand in the stable all the time : give it him fasting; he may take his 
usual food and drink, only keep him in the stable three or four days. 

Proved. 



338 THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

Impostlmmes or abscesses filled with viscid mucus, or tumors filled 
with matter, may be ripened or brought to suppurate by the follow- 
ing application : 

Bruise mallow roots, and white lily roots, and boil them in milk ; 
thicken them with linseed meal, and apply it as a poultice. 

Kernels. — For hard kernels under the throat : mix soap and brandy 
together, and apply it to the kernels hot ; then heat it with a hot iron ; 
it will either sink them flat or break them. 

Kick.— A horse's kick cured. The horse's leg was swelled by it; 
upon which my neighbor applied a poultice of boiled and mashed 
turneps, mixed with hog's lard, once a day. This assuaged the pain, 
and reduced the swelling; and to prevent the humor's falling down 
to the part, he rubbed in verjuice above the wounded part, and thus 
made a speedy cure. — -Montague. 

Knees broken. — For old broken knees much swelled and hard, 
Nathan Shaw recommends the following: Mix one and one-half 
ounce of the oil of turpentine, and the same quantity of strong beer 
together; then bathe it with your hand upon the swelled knee, two or 
three times a day, for three days ; then apply the charge of crown 
soap and brandy, hot, and let it stay on till it comes off itself; it will 
much lessen if it does not take it quite away ; let him stand in. The 
oil of worms is a great mollifier of a hard and bony part, and hard 
swellings. 

Knots, fleshy ones, that move from the place where they grow, 
may be discerned by feeling. These may be removed by holding 
the knot between the finger and the thumb, then with the point of a 
penknife slit a hole in the middle and cut the knot out ; if it bleeds 
much, sear it with a hot iron, then apply, or fill the wound with the 
fur of a rabbit ; next day take out the wool, and wash the wound 
clean with vinegar, and dry it with a cloth ; and apply No. 61, oint- 
ment to cure wounds, Section 181. 

Before you anoint the wound, wash it with No. 62, or 63, p. 120. 
Tie a rag over it to prevent dirt getting into. Dress it once a day; 
a cure will soon be effected. 

Lax, or much scouring.— Take a little alum and bole armeniac, 
finely powdered, put them in a quart of new milk, stir it until it be- 
comes a curd, then give it to the horse with a horn. A pint of ver- 
juice is good for a sucking foal. 

The following is highly recommended : Take a handful of the 
herb called shepherd's purse, boil it in a quart of strong ale, and 
when lukewarm, take the seeds of wood-roof; bruise them, put them 
into it ; then give it to the horse to drink. 

Legs, sore ones — an Indian cure. — Take sassafras leaves, dry or 
green, in winter or summer, apply on the sores a poultice thereof, 



THE farmer's complete farrier. 339 

•with milk and hog's lard, renewing it occasionally. When the poul- 
tice is off apply the leaves, which will cure very easy to the patient. 

Jefferies. 

Looseness in horses, — This complaint originates in an increased 
peristaltic motion of the intestines, with an increase of their watery 
secretion, and is distinguished from dysentery by the purging being 
complete from the first, and seldom occasioning much fever or distur- 
bance in the general health, unless exceedingly violent. The stools 
are merely solutions of the aliment, and unmixed with membranous 
films as in dysentery or molten grease. It sometimes succeeds to 
over strong physic, at others the food enters into new combinations, 
and forms a purge. Some horses have their bowels constitutionally 
weak, as lank-sided small carcassed ones, where the mechanical pres- 
sure hurries the contents forward. Salt mashes and sea water will purge 
horses violently sometimes. It is always proper to encourage warmth 
in the skin, and to change the food. The change should be generally 
from one more moist to one less so, as beans, &c. Barley will some- 
times stop looseness ; malt usually increases it. Buckwheat is often 
a check to habitual diarrhea. Efficacious astringents, as the one be- 
low, Avill be found necessary. Repeat it, if necessary, and give the 
horse only warm water to drink. 

Take powder of ipecacuanha, one dram; powdered opium, a-half 
dram ; prepared chalk, two ounces ; boiled starch, one pint. Another, 
equally good: Take suet, four ounces; milk, eight ounces; boiled 
starch, six ounces; powdered alum, one dram. Or, you may admin- 
ister No. Ill, or 112. 

Shaw recommends the following: Take a pint of red wine, or 
claret; warm it, and add one ounce of beaten cinnamon, and give it 
to the horse a little warm: you may add the yolks of two new laid 
eggs. Once or twice is a cure. Give him warm water at night, and 
cold water next day, and ride him upon it. 

Mange is a contagious disease, not uncommon among low bred 
and badly kept horses, but which is seldom generated in those pro- 
perly managed. When it is the effect of impoverished blood, a dif- 
ferent course of feeding must be substituted, not heating, but cooling, 
though generous ; as carrots, spread oats, malt mashes, stable soiling, 
&c. When it arises in full-fed horses, bleed twice, lower the feeding, 
substituting for corn, soiling, carrots, or bran mashes. Give No. 32, 
p. 88; or No. 41, p. 100; or No. 46, Sect. 163. Having adminis- 
tered either of the above, and after physicking, dress with the fol- 
lowing: 

Take sulphur vivum, eight ounces ; powdered arsenic, two drams ; 
mercurial ointment, two ounces ; turpentine, two ounces ; lard, eight 
ounces; mix — dress with it every morning. 

Jefferies recommends for the mange, to bleed in the neck once or 
twice — then with a card to rub off the scurf — then take tar, turpen- 
tine and linseed oil, as much as you think proper— -incorporate them 



340 the farmer's complete farrier* 

well together, being hot, (but not to scald,) anoint the mangy places 
therewith. 

N-_ B. — Never put a saddle or a collar used' on a mangy horse., 
upon a sound one, for it will infect the sound animal. 

Malanders. —To cure this disease, wash the cracks with warm' 
suds, fish brine or old urine, then rub them with an ointment of hog's 
lard, mixed with two drams of sublimate of mercury. Or, apply as 
poultice of the roots of marshmallows and flaxseed, softened with 
linseed oil, tying it on with a roller. Continue that until the seeds 
fall off and the sores become clean. Afterwards a mixture of tur- 
pentine and quicksilver will be a proper application,, 

Mash.—K mash is generally given to a horse for the purpose of 
cooling the system, opening the bowels, and for disguising different 
kinds of medicines which may be necessary to be administered; 
which if given in any other way, would be attended with trouble and 
difficulty r and would not be productive of effects so salutary.. 

No. 1. 

Take of bran, one gallon; sassafras tea, (scalding hot,) one quart; 
powdered brimstone, one table spoonful; saltpetre, onetea spoonful- 
No. 2. 

Take of oats, one gallon; flour sulphur, one table spoonful; salt- 
petre, one tea spoonful; boiling, water,. one quart- 

No.- 3. 

Take of bran, one gallon; salts, (glauber,) four ounces; sulphur,, 

one table spoonful; sassafras tea, (scalding hot,) one quart; let them 

be well mixed and given milk warm, not permitting the horse to- 
drink cold water for six hours afterwards-. 

Morfounder, influenza, distemper, cold, catarrh, &c, are names, 
as we remarked in part first, which are often applied to one common 
disease, which often in rainy, variable seasons appears as an epidemie, 
and affects thousands of horses at once. It is observed to be particu- 
larly prevalent in this form in the spring of some years, more than 
of others. It is not contagious like the more malignant form, but is 
brought on as an epidemic by the same causes being applied to nearly 
all subjects alike; which are alterations of heat with cold, moisture, 
and dryness, &c. In crowded cities and large towns, it is more pre- 
valent than in more open situations, and it is more frequently found 
in the young than in aged horses. Where it does not exist as an 
epidemic, it is brought on by an accidental cold taken. It is of great 
consequence to distinguish it from pure inflammation of the lungs, 
with which it is very apt to become confounded; and which mistake 
is often a fatal one, from the treatment being in some essential par- 
ticulars different. Inflammation of the lungs commences by a short 



"THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. B41 

fcough, without much other disturbance to the health, than the pain it 
gives the horse to cough, but which is often so considerable as to 
make him stamp his feet while coughing. If a horse in the distem- 
per coughs early, it is not a hollow, harsh sounding, and distressing 
cough of this kind — -if he expresses uneasiness, it is principally from 
a sore throat, which is very common in distemper, but by no means 
common in pneumonia. The sore throat in distemper gives the horse 
a disposition to refuse his food, or he chews it and lets the quid fall 
without swallowing it. He refuses water, particularly if it be placed 
on the ground ; his cough is quick, short, and usually sounds more 
moist than harsh and dry; hut though common, this is not invariably 
the case ; his eyes are heavy and moist, his breathing is quickened, 
and his ears and legs are alternately hot and cold. His nose, on look- 
ing into it, is redder than usual, and sometimes his glands, as well 
submaxillary or jaw glands, as his parotid or vives, are tumefied. On 
the second or third day, excessive weakness comes on; the cough 
becomes more painful, the pulse is quickened, and the nose begins to 
run. After which the horse either runs off the disease by this sup- 
puration, or it goes on to destroy him by the heighth of the fever, and 
a degree of weakness produced, or by suffocation from water in the 
chest. Now and then, although recovery takes place, an obstinate 
cough is left; and in a few cases the disease terminates in glanders. 
The treatment may in some cases be cut very short; for as in al- 
most every instance a shivering fit begins the disease, so when many 
horses are in a stable, and the disease is very prevalent, those who 
have not been attacked should be watched, and the moment such an 
attack does take place, give of sweet spirit of nitre, or when not at 
hand, of spirit of hartshorn, an ounce, in a pint of sound ale. Exer- 
cise the horse briskly, then well hand-rub him, clothe him warmly; 
and it is more than probable that the disease will be cut short. But 
should it proceed, or should the disease have gone on unobserved to 
the appearance of the symptom detailed, begin by bleeding moder- 
ately, if the horse be not already weak; or if there have not appeared 
the running of matter from the nose. If there have, the bleeding had 
better be dispensed with, unless the fever appear, from the quick full 
pulse and redness of the inner surfaee of the nostrils and eyelids, to 
be still so considerable as to require it; in which case we must not be 
deterred from one moderate bleeding; and which, if the febrile symp- 
toms do not abate, may be even repeated. It will, however, in gen- 
eral cases, be advisable to avoid bleeding after the second day of the 
attack, or after the running has appeared from the nose, or after 
considerable weakness has come on. In all cases a very cool tem- 
perature is essentially requisite ; hot stables, or hot clothing are very 
pernicious, but particularly the former. A hood is not improper 
over the head, because it encourages the running to make an early 
appearance ; and for this reason a warm mash may advantageously be 
hung round the neck three or four times a day. Before the running 
commences, give night and morning, the fever powder, (No. 73 or 
74,) in a mash or drink; after the running has come on, or as soon as 
the weakness has become considerable, give night and morning either 



342 the farmer's complete farrier, 

of the fever drinks. Take sweet spirit of nitre, one ounce; simple 
oxymel, six ounces ; tartar emetic, three drams. Malt mashes, where 
the weakness is great, are proper ; at other times, bran mashes with 
plenty of chilled water are best. To relieve the throat, rub the out- 
side with mild liquid plaster, (take Spanish flies, powdered, a-half 
ounce; oil of origanum, one dram ; oil of turpentine, two ounces ; oil 
of olives, or goose grease, three ounces ; steep the flies in the tur- 
pentine five days — strain off and add the oil or goose grease,) and if 
the w T eather be warm enough to allow it, two or three hours turning 
out in a field each day is proper. Green meat in the stable? when it 
ean be procured, should likewise be given. 

Malignant epidemic, murrain or pest.'— Now and then the distem- 
per or influenza assumes a character of uncommon malignance, which 
is happily not frequent here, but not unfrequent in continental coun- 
tries, sweeping off a third of the horses and kine, without any means* 
being found to arrest its progress. In these eases it is found highly 
contagious, attacking almost all the horses as well as cattle within its 
sphere of action, or which communicate with each other. Dr. Lay- 
ard, and Osmer, English writers of established reputation, noticed 
the appearances of this disease long ago ;: and their descriptions are 
not different from the milder kind noticed above but in degree. The 
throat is intensely sore, and the mouth ulcerated ; the glands of the 
head swell, and sometimes these and other parts suppurate and burst. 
The matter from the nose is bloody, and the stench intolerable ; the 
weakness is also peculiarly great, and shows itself early. 

The treatment recommended by Blaine is the early use of malt 
mashes ; even ale is indispensable. Green meat should be allowed,, 
and a very cool stall is necessary, having a free communication with 
the open air. As medicine, three doses are necessary, every day, of 
the malignant epidemic fever drink ;* half a pint of yeast, with a pint 
of ale, has been given with good effect, three times a day ; also, to 
prevent the infection from spreading, fumigate the stables and all the 
out-houses with the preventive fumigation. 

Take manganese, three ounces; common salt, four ounces; oil of 
vitriol, five ounces ; water, two ounces ; put the mixed manganese 
and salt into a basin; then, having before mixed the vitriol and water 
very gradually, pour them, by means of tongs, or anything that will 
enable you to stand at sufficient distance, on the articles in the basin, 
gradually. As soon as the fumes arise, retire and shut up the door 
close. 

Nail prick.*— An approved cure for a prick of a nail. The farrier 
cut away some of the hoof, to make the more room for the oils to 
enter. He then applied the compound oil of vitriol and turpentine ; 
after that a mixture of rosin, Burgundy pitch, and horse turpentine 
melted together, and farthered him with a hot poker ; then put a rag 

* Take simple oxymel, mindererus spirits, beer yeast, of each, six ounces ; sweefc 
spirits of nitre, two ounces. 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 343 

over it and nailed on a patent shoe. He dressed it twice with the 
oil and pitch mixture ; and the third dressing was wound-water that 
hardened and cured. 

Netherjoint strain. — JefTeries says, to cure this, take wheat flour 
or meal, the clay of a wall and wine lees, all mixed together, and 
spread a plaster thereof on the strain, renewing it once in twenty-four 
hours— for a new strain twice is a cure ; the clay must have no lime 
in it. 

Oil, British, how made. — Take spirits of turpentine and linseed 
oil, of each, half a pint; oil of amber, oil of juniper, and mineral 
tar, of each, one gill ; mix. 

Oil of spike. — The following is a good receipt for its preparations 
Take spirits of turpentine, one pint; mineral tar, one-half pint: oil 
of amber, three ounces ; oil of rosemary, one ounce; mix. 

Opodeldoc, or soap liniment.- — Take common white soap, three 
ounces; camphor, one ounce; oil of rosemary, oil of origanum, of 
each, one-eighth of an ounce ; alcohol, one pint ; cut the soap fine, 
and with a gentle heat dissolve it in the alcohol in which the other 
articles had been previously dissolved. Pour into wide mouth vials 
or jars to cool. 

Opodeldoc, liquid, to make. — Take two ounces of whisky, and 
warm it, (be careful it does not take fire,) put in as much common 
soft soap as it will dissolve ; then bottle it and add one ounce of gum 
camphor; one-half ounce sal ammoniac ; two ounces oil of origanum ; 
and one-half ounce oil of wormwood. 

Ointment to remove swellings. — Take hog's lard, and spirits of 
turpentine, mixed ; sufficient oil of vitriol must be put in to make 
the composition a dark brown color, and rub the part affected twice a 
day with a small quantity at a time. 

Ointment for blisters. — Take nerve and marshmallow ointments* 
of each, two ounces ; of quicksilver, and Venice turpentine, one 
ounce, of each ; one and a-half dram of Spanish flies, powdered ; a 
dram of sublimate, and two drams of origanum. 

Ointment, Burdon's. — Take yellow rosin the size of a hen's egg, 
to be melted in an earthen pot over a slow fire, to which add the 
same quantity of beeswax. When melted, add half a pound of hog's 
lard, and when that is dissolved add two ounces of honey, and half 
a pound of common turpentine, and keep gently boiling a few min- 
utes, stirring all the time. Take it off the fire, and when it has cool- 
ed a little, stir into it two ounces of verdigris finely powdered, then 
give the whole a few minutes gentle boiling, and pour through a 
sieve for use. Nothing takes fire out of a burn or scald in human 
flesh so soon as this ointment. 



344 the farmer's complete farrier. 

We would suggest, that no store in a newly settled district ought 
to be without a plentiful supply of the above ointment for sale ; it is 
equally good for cuts and bruises and putrifying sores, and might be 
denominated with propriety, the universal remedy. 

Phrenitis, — See Section 131, p. 73 and 74, for a description of 
this disease. 

Dr. Zuend, a graduate of the Veterinary School of Vienna, under 
the care of Professor John Bidl, Michael Erdely, B. Langenbacher, 
A. Hayne, B. Stutz and E. Veith, recommends the following to be 
given twice a day, mixed with syrup. 

Take sulphas of potassa, three ounces ; gentian, pulverized, one 
ounce ; tartar emetic, one-eighth of an ounce ; and liver of sulphur, 
one-eighth of an ounce. If necessary should be continued for a few 
days. 

Poll-evil. — The following is somewhat similar to the one we gave 
in Part I. We take this from the Practical Farmer: 

I send you a receipt for the cure of the poll-evil and fistula. Se- 
cure the horse for the operation. You must make an incision in the 
tumor, and put in a piece of ratsbane the size of a grain of corn, or 
if fine, wrap it in a piece of soft paper and put it into the incision ; 
take a stich or two to secure it from coming out, and it will perform 
the cure. It is necessary, after it commences running, to keep it 
clean from the outside, as, if the matter is suffered to remain on the 
outside, it will take off the hair. There has been a good many cured 
in this neighborhood in this way. After the operation, the horse can 
be turned to grass or kept in the stable, as it may suit the owner. 

JOSEPH GOOD, 
Madison C. H,, Va., March 18, 1840. 

We present here another "leaf" from P. Montague, Gent., whom 
we mentioned, p. 102. The "leaf" is part of the same dialogue: 

G. What is the safest cure for the poll-evil? 

D. If it proceeds from blows, bruises, &c, bathe the swelling 
often with hot vinegar ; if you perceive an oozing through the skin, 
use two parts of vinegar, one part spirits of wine ; and if there be 
an itching, heat and inflammation, you are to bleed, and apply poul- 
tices of bread, milk and elder flowers ; you are likewise to give the 
mercurial ball, and repeat it occasionally. But if there are signs of 
matter, the best method then is to forbear purging, and apply the 
ripening poultices, till it comes to maturity and burst of itself, or is 
opened with a knife ; but great care should be taken to avoid the ten- 
dinous ligament that runs along the neck under the mane : when the 
matter is on both sides, so must the opening, and the ligament remain 
undivided. It sometimes happens, that a second incision is required, 
in which case, dress with the common digestive of turpentine, honey 
and tincture of myrrh, and after digestion, with the precipitate oint- 
ment, or wash the sore with the following made hot, and fill up the 
cavity with tow soaked therein : 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 345 

Take vinegar, or spirits of wine, half a pint ; white vitriol, dis- 
solved in spring water, half an ounce ; tincture of myrrh, four 
ounces ; or it may be made sharper by adding more vitriol. 

Mr. Gibson was so fond of this wash, that he declares he has 
cured a great number of horses without any other formality of dress- 
ing, than washing with this twice a day, and laying over the part a 
quantity of tow, soaked in vinegar, and the white of eggs beat to- 
gether. 

Poison. — Against poison or venom. Take a good handful of rue, 
boil it in three pints of new milk; then add one gill of sallad oil, and 
give it to the horse lukewarm with a horn ; it is excellent against 
poison. — Jefferies. 

Piss. — To make a horse piss, says an American author, boil the 
size of a hen's egg of Castile soap in a quart of beer, add a small 
handful of parsley ; give it him lukewarm ; it will make him piss. 

Plaster to cure all deep sores. — Translated from the French. 

Take Venice turpentine, and oil of laurel, six ounces, each ; gum 
elemi, eight ounces; rosin pitch, twenty ounces ; melt, stir, and will 
be made — to be applied to the sore. — -Andre Delacroix. 

Quitterbone. — N. Shaw says, the quitterbone is a hollow ulcer on 
the top of the coronet, and so is the matlong: the cure is, first to 
tent it with verdigris till you have eaten out the core, and made 
the wound clean, then heal it up with the same salve that you healed 
the scratches. — See Scratches below. 

Ringbone. — If the callosity, says JefFeries, of a ringbone does 
not spread itself below the coronet of the hoof, and is hard and bony, 
you may take it out by applying a caustic, thus : shave off the hair 
close, and apply the caustic, made of stone lime and soft soap, and 
let it lie on but twenty-four hours ; in that time, or less, if your caus- 
tic be good, it will penetrate to the very root of the ringbone, and 
come clean out in fourteen or fifteen days. In the mean time keep 
some of your suppling and drawing salves to it, also keep it clean 
from filth and dirt: when the ringbone is out, apply your healing 
salves, and wash the wound with soap suds, or lime, or alum water, 
or whey, dressing it once in twenty-four hours. 

When proud flesh arises, scald it off with butter and salt, or burnt 
alum, or any of your eating powders. [No. 54, or 55, p. 107.] 
Thus do with care, and there will be no doubt of cure. 

A ringbone at first coming is easily cured — sometimes by a mild 
blister only ; if it should be obstinate and grow, then first fire gently 
frather cruel !) and apply a blister plaster or two, and when they are 
ary, make a poultice of oatmeal, oil and vinegar, and bind it on, and 
turn the horse to pasture; it is a cure without much eye-sore. 

Sick horse, to cure one. — Give him some groundsel to eat. At 
first, begin with putting a little into his mouth : or it may be cut 
23 



346 the farmer's complete farrier. 

small and given amongst his manger meat. It is a wild herb, and 
may be gathered almost all the year, especially in corn fields. This 
is much in practice with the London coachmen. — Montague. 

Scratches. — Take eight ounces of hog's grease, brimstone, lime, 
gun powder y of each, three ounces ; black soap, eight ounces ; and as 
much soot as will suffice to bring them to a salve ; boil the hog's 
grease and soap together, and bring the other hard simples to a fine 
powder, and so mix all together, and make a black ointment; with 
this anoint the sores once a day, after they are cleansed and made run. 

Shoulder slip. — Boil wax, rosin and turpentine, olive oil and lard; 
add to it some hartshorn ; and chafe this ointment in as hot as possi- 
ble, by placing before a hot shovel. — Montague. 

Surfeit. — For a horse when he is badly surfeited. Take four 
ounces of the inner bark of the white shaking aspen tree, boil it in 
three quarts of spring water, to a-half gallon ; then take out the bark 
and dissolve one ounce of aloes in the liquor, and add thereto one gill 
of molasses, and give it to the horse lukewarm as a drench. 

Staggers.' — In addition to what we have said of staggers, Section 
130, p. 72 and 73,. we would recommend the following from Zuend, 
p. 149: 

Take gentian, pulverized, one ounce ; sulphas of potassa, four 
ounces ; tartar emetic, liver of sulphur, one-eighth of an ounce, 
each ; mixed, and administered. 

Strangles. — How a farmer in Ireland cured all his horses of the 
strangles in 1759 : 

Six out of nine horses had the strangles ; the old ones catched it 
of the young ones, as the old ones never had them before. The far- 
mer applied poultices under the jaws, to draw out and break the 
humor there, but some broke out at the neck. He gave them two 
spoonfuls of flour of mustard to make them sneeze, and void the 
puss more freely, and for warming their bodies. This, with hot 
mashes, cured them all. — Montague. 

Swellings. — To cure a swelling in a horse's back. Boil soap in 
strong beer grounds ; when off the fire, mix some spirits of wine with 
it, and bathe the part as hot as possible, and it will reduce a swelling 
in an hour's time. If you have not the spirits, make use of brandy 
or gin ; dip a rag in it, and apply it to the humor; afterwards cham- 
ber or make a hollow place in the saddle. — See p. 121, No. 63. 

Stumbling. — The stumbling of a horse may be either natural or 
produced by accidents, such as splint, windgalls, sinew strains, 
shoulder sprains, withers injured, &c &c, but whether produced by 
accident or natural defect, cannot be remedied. All horses, and par- 
ticularly those that go well, stumble more or less ; but there is a very 
wide distinction between a light tip or touch on the foot, and a stum- 



TTHE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 347 

Me that will bring a horse and sometimes his rider flat in the dirt. 
Horses given to this practice, are very much lessened in value, and 
-can never be rode by any person aware of his bad quality, without 
being in pain, dreading every time he lifts his feet, that all will be 
prostrated in the dust. 

To ascertain if a horse stumbles, 

1st. Examine well his knees, to discover if they are scarred, or 
the hair knocked off. 

2d. Take him amongst uneven ground, small gullies, or old corn 
ground, and let him be rode with the bridle hanging slack upon his 
neck, in all the different gaits he has been accustomed to, and if he 
is in the habit of stumbling, he will very soon make a sufficient num- 
ber of low bows to convince you -of the fact. 

3d. When a horse stumbles and immediately springs off, appear- 
ing alarmed, it is a proof that he is an old offender, and is under the 
apprehension of having one other flogging added to the great num- 
ber he had, no doubt, received for the same fault. Such a horse 1 
consider unsafe, and therefore cannot recommend him to purchasers; 
he being not so good, even for a slow draught, as one .possessing 
more activity. 

Sivelling by a blow upon the chest or elsewhere. — "If it comes 
"by a blow, belt where it will, hot or cold, so that it be not broke, lay 
nothing to it but the charge of soap and brandy, and heat it well in, 
and in four or five days it will either sink or break it ; if it breaks, 
apply some decoction, or wash for sores." Apply No. 61, Section 
181, or either Nos. 62, 63, or 64, p. 120. 

Tumors, cankerous ones in the feet. — Take cow dung, tar, and 
hog's fat, make a poultice thereof, as hot as possible, so as not to 
scald, and apply it round the hoof. 

Treads of a horse's heel cured.—- The following has been tried by 
Montague, p. 41 : 

It swelled and run, and in time would have turned to a quittor, 
had I not immediately applied a remedy. I began with boiling soap 
in grounds of beer, and rubbed it in very hot ; then I mixed tar, 
fresh grease, horse turpentine and a little verjuice together, and heat- 
ed the mixture in an iron ladle and applied it very hot. At three 
times using I cured my plough-horse. 

Ulcer.—" Take three quarts of new milk, and a good handful of 
white plantain ; set it on the fire and let it boil to a pint; then take 
three ounces of alum, and one and a-half ounce of white sugar can- 
dy, pound them to fine powder, and put it into the milk and plantain, 
and boil it a little till it comes to a curd ; then strain it, and with the 
warm whey, bathe the ulcer ; then dry the wound, and lay on some 
unguenturn basilicon. (See article, Basilicon ointment, above.) This 
drieth, cleanses, and kills any itch, and heals the foulest ulcers in 
man or beast." 



348 THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

" Also, if you take one quart of milk, powdered alum two ounces^ 
and a spoonful of vinegar; then take away the curd and use the rest;. 
this will dry up and heal any foul sore whatsoever." 

Urine, to provoke, in a horse.' — Beat a handful of parsley root with, 
half a pound of aniseed, boil them in a quart of strong beer or more y , 
then strain it, and add to the liquor half a pound of oyster-shell pow- 
der, which give him warm out of a horn. 

Vomit. — A rare receipt to cause a horse to vomit. From JefTeries' 
book, p. 199: 

Take two great roots of polypodium* of the oak, wash and scrape 
it very clean, and tie it to his snafHe; then let it be steeped in oil of 
spike a whole night, and in the morning fasting, put on his bridle 
with the roots fast to it, and ride him softly an hour or better ; and if 
he be troubled with any rheumatic or phlegmatic humor, or cold, 
which may clog or annoy his stomach, it will cause him to vent or vomit 
it up at his mouth or nose,t and cause him to cough, sneeze and send 
forth a great quantity of filth and slimy matter, and in a short time 
he will become very clean in his body, for this will both refine his 
blood and exhaust all the waterish humors in such sort, as by temper- 
ate ordering and doing as here prescribed, you may keep him a long: 
time sound. 

You may give it to any horse that hath taken a cold — you may 
give him white wine and honey, and horse cordial, formerly men- 
tioned. 

Warts, a cure for. — Rub warts with muriate of ammonia, and it 
will remove them, if repeated several times. If they are very hard 
or horny, it may be necessary to touch them a few times with nitric 
acid, which will speed their removal. 

Both articles in drug shops. 

Another very simple, but effectual cure. Tie a strong silk thread 
around the base of the warts, as tightly as you can ; in a few days 
the warts will be perceptibly diminished, and may be in a few days 
more, easily separated from the skin or flesh. 

Wind -broken.' — The excellent ball for broken-winded horses, that 
has made a perfect cure of upwards of seven hundred,, in less than 
nine months, after many other medieines being tried in vain. 

Take myrrh, elecampane, and licorice root, in fine powder, three 

* Tolypodium vulgare, commonly called polypody, is a fern growing in the 
clefts of rocks, old walls, decayed trunks of trees; but the variety growing on 
oak is usually preferred, though without any good reason. It is now used among 
physicians, if used at all, as a pectoral in chronic catarrh and asthma. Anciently 
it was employed for the evacuation of bile and pituitous humors, in melancholic 
and maniacal cases. — Compiler. 

-{-"We do not think " he will vomit it up at his nose /" The nostrils are aper- 
tures to admit air to the lungs. 



349 

ounces, each; saffron, three drams; asafetida, one ounce ; sulphur, 
squills and cinnabar of antimony, of eaeh, two ounces; aurum mosai- 
cum, one ounce and a-half ; oil of aniseed, eighty drops. You may 
make it into paste with either treacle or honey, and give the horse the 
quantity of a hen's egg every morning for a week ; and afterwards, 
every other morning, till the disorder is removed.— Montague 1 s 
Farrier, p. 57. 

Worms. — From the same author, p. 115: 

For killing worms in horses, 

A Devonshire gentleman, whom I furnished with a plough-man, 
assured me his master had a pound of the best roll tobacco, shred 
very fine ; of which he gave his horse every day one ounce at a time 
amongst his wetted corn, &c. This was given every morning and 
night, but not to a horse that goes to grass. If his case was despe- 
rate, you may give him more, even for some time. It is a, certain cure. 

Jl purge for the worms. 

Take pure aloes in fine powder, one ounce ; jalap root, powdered, 
two drams; oil of aniseed, one-quarter of an ounce, mixed with sy- 
rup of buckthorn berries ; beat up the whole into a ball. This is to 
oe repeated three times, allowing three or four days respite between 
each ball. Give it early in the morning, with warm water and some 
bran or oatmeal in it, and exereise him every three or four hours. 

Wounds. — -Dr. Diegendesch recommends, not only external appli- 
cations to wounds, but to promote a speedy cure of wounds, and to 
keep the horse in good condition, says the following drink should be 
given for eight or ten days : 

Take woundwort, four handfuls ; sanicle, burdock, of each, two 
handfuls; root of tormentil, three handfuls; Mack snake root, one 
handful ; boil the whole in from ten to fifteen gallons of water, and 
add some sassafras or spice wood, and give the horse to drink two 
or three times a day. Dress the wound as directed in Chap. XIII. 

Yellow water. — Take Venetian soap, juniper oil, saltpetre, sal 
prunella, sweet spirits of nitre, of each, one ounce ; make it into a 
ball with pulverized licorice root, and give the horse two ounces at 
•once, and repeat if necessary. If attended with a violent fever, bleed, 
and give bran mashes ; or, 

Take a gallon of strong beer, or ale, add thereto two ounces of 
Castile soap, and one ounce of saltpetre; stir, and mix daily of this 
with his feed. 

The following is also highly recommended in a German work: 

Take pulverized gentian, and calamus, of each, one-half ounce ; 
sulphas of potassa, two ounces ; tartar emetic, liver of sulphur, and 
oil of turpentine, one-eighth of an ounce, each ; mix it with flour 
and water, and give the above in the incipient stage of the disease. 

The dose, if necessary, may be given daily for several days. 



350 



II.— OF COWS, OXEN AND CALVES. 

Horned cattle, as well as other domesticated animals, are liable for 
diseases ; but as their life is less artificial than that of the horse, they 
are not so much subject to the great variety of diseases to which the 
liorse is, although they are not the less dangerous. 

"We have under this head, given the names of the principal dis- 
eases, &c, with their cures ; but for the want of space have not en- 
tered into a minute detail of either. 

Abortion, slinking or slipping the calf, is a misfortune to which 
cows are particularly subject, in the earliest periods of gestation* 
Cows in danger of slipping their young, should be bled, confined in a 
stable, till next morning 5 ; then give the following purging drink: 

No. I. 

Take epsom salts, one pound; nitre, two. ounces; ginger and ani- 
seed in powder, one ounce, each ; treacle, four ounces ; pour three 
pints of boiling water upon the ingredients, and give it lukewarm. 

After it has operated, give her the following : 

No. 2. 

Take alum, in powder, four ounces ; nitre, one ounce ; aniseed> 
two ounces ; opium, one-half dram ; treacle, four table spoonfuls — 
mix for one drink ; repeat in about eight or ten days ; this will pre- 
vent abortion. 

If a cow has slipped, put her up- — give her the following drink r 

No. 3. 

Take spermaceti, two ounces; spirits of turpentine, one ounce ? 
the yolk of one egg; beat all in a mortar; then add caraway seeds? 
two ounces; treacle, four ounces; mix in a quart of gruel, and add 
a wine glassful of gin ; give it lukewarm ; repeat every third day, 
for nine days. 

Black water, and red water. — These two complaints are but differ- 
ent stages of the same disease — See Red water. Bleed and give the 
following laxative medicine : 

No. 4. 

Take epsom salts, six or eight ounces ; water, one pint; castor 
oil, eight ounces ; ten ounces of common salt may be substituted for 
eight ounces of epsom when more handy. After bleeding, and cos- 
tiveness having been subdued, give the following astringent drink: 

No. 5. 

Take Venice turpentine, four ounces ; nitre, two ounces ; bay ber- 
ries, two ounces; armenian bole, two ounces; alum, four ounces; 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 351 

make into one ball. Then slice the ball into a pitcher, and pour over 
it a quart of hot gruel; give it lukewarm — repeat every other night 

Blains or gloss-anthrox, inflammation of the tongue— it is said to 
be contagious. The treatment is simple; and if adopted in an early- 
period of the disease, effective in nearly all cases. The little blad- 
ders which appear on the tongue, must be freely lanced from end to 
end, a strong solution of alum and salt applied, and a laxative given, 
and the animal kept on cooling drinks and moistened food. A strong 
decoction of celandine forms an excellent wash for the lanced tongue. 

Bloody murrain or pest — These terms correspond with that of 
plague in the human species. The reader who desires an interesting 
account of this malignant epidemic, is referred to the " Treatise on 
Cattle," Philadelphia Edition, 1836, page 379.* 

£ From the Farmer's Cabinet.] 

Sir : — If the following remarks, relating to a disease which is con- 
sidered by a large portion of the community as incurable, be viewed 
by you of a sufficient importance to entitle them to a place in your 
paper, when convenient please publish them. 

There are two processes recommended for the cure of the murrain 
in cattle ; one of them is to give the animal one pint of spirits of tur- 
pentine, and in twenty-four hours afterwards, a pint of olive oil or 
hog's lard; in forty-eight hours afterwards half a pint of turpentine, 
and in twenty-four hours after this, half a pint of olive oil or hog's 
lard. 

The other is to give a pint of flaxseed oil, and in twelve hours 
afterwards two pounds of glauber salts, followed immediately by re- 
peated doses of warm water, for ten or twelve hours. 

Note. — Perhaps all of these combined would be still better, (the 

*In this short note, we will, for the satisfaction of those who may not feel dis- 
posed, or be able to purchase the work referred to, give a condensed and brief chro- 
nological account of bloody murrain. 

The earliest record we have of murrain, is the destruction of the cattle of the 
Egyptians, B. C. 1491— Exod. 9. 

During the siege of Troy, vast numbers of cattle perished by this disease. Plu- 
tarch tells us that during the reign of Romulus, this pest swept off many of the 
Roman cattle. Livy also speaks of a like visitation. Virgil, in his Georgias, who 
wrote fifty years before Christ, when speaking on this subject: 

During the autumnal heats t£' infection grew, 
Tame cattle and the beasts of nature slew. 

A. D. 376, a murrain broke out among the cattle in Europe. In 810, every 
head of cattle was destroyed, by murrain, in the Emperor Charlemagne's army, 
and a great part of his dominions. In 1514 and 1599, the Venetian States were 
ravaged by this disease. In 1682, France was visited by murrain ; and again in 
1711. In 1743 and 1744, it appeared again in France, and in a great part of 
Germany. In 1745, Holland was scourged a second time — more than 200,000 
cattle perished. In 1747, more than 150,000 died in England. It prevailed to 
an alarming extent in 1746, 1749, 1755 and 1756. In 1758, it spread over Fin- 
land. The limits of a note preclude extension. 



352 

quantity of each ingredient to be such as experience may dictate,) as 
acting more quickly on different parts of the system. It seems the 
symptoms of this disease are not generally discovered until within a; 
short time previous to the death of the animal, which soon ensues, 
unless arrested by medical aid ; consequently such substances as tend 
to restore the system to a healthy state the most rapidly, combined 
with other substances, to prevent injury to the animal, seems proper, 
Chester go., Pa., February 23, 1837. A. 

The following infallible cure, was given by Mr. Jones of Virginia? 
to Mr. Harrison of Charles City county, Virginia: 

A quart of the infusion of cedar berries, (containing about half a 
pint of the berries,) was given at a time, and in nearly every case the 
good effects were almost instantaneous ; a considerable discharge from 
the bladder and bowels followed, and in five or ten minutes time, the 
animal began to eat. In nineteen cases out of twenty a perfect cure 
was effected. It may be necessary to repeat the drench four or five 
times. 

A writer in the Genesee Farmer, says : mullen had been recom- 
mended. I took some of the leaves, steeped them in new milk, and 
about three quarts of tea, poured off without straining, given to the 
ox, (which had already discharged four or five gallons of blood,) which 
produced an immediate cure. 

From the same paper: Take a piece of pokeroot as big as a man's 
fist, supposed to be half a pound, for a common cow, cut fine ; add 
two quarts of water ; boil it to one quart, and pour it down when 
warm. The dose may be repeated once a day for two or three days* 
until the cure is complete. 

The remedy employed in Europe, in the middle of the last centu- 
ry, when the murrain carried off great numbers of cattle, consisted 
in a mixture of equal parts of gun powder, salt, soot and brimstone; 
one spoonful of this composition was given for a dose, and was hid 
down with warm water. 

To prevent murrain.— -It is recommended to take a mixture of 
clay, salt, tar and powdered brimstone. For twenty -five head, two 
quarts of tar, four ounces of brimstone per week; to put in a trough 
to which cattle have free access. 

The Editor of the Farmer and Gardner says : if you wish to pre- 
serve your cattle's health, always keep a mixture of tar and salt in 
equal proportions in a trough where they can have constant access to 
it. This should be renewed once a week in winter, and twice a 
week in summer. 

Calves, diseases of, such as cords, diarrhea, costiveness, hoose or 
cough, canker, inflammatory diseases. — See each article below. Di- 
rections to raise calves : See the closing article of Division II. 

Canker in the mouth arises from improper food. The insides of 
the cheeks and gums are tender, red and ulcerated ; teeth lose. The 
following remedy is generally a cure : 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 353 

No. 6. 

Take burnt alum, rock alum, common salt, armenian bole in pow- 
der, of each, one-half ounce; honey, two ounces. 

Pour one-half pint of hot vinegar upon those ingredients in a cov- 
ered jar; close it down; when cold, wash the mouth well two or 
three times a day. If fever accompanies, give a purgative. Give 
No. 11, below. 

Cancer of the eye. — The remedy would be extirpation of the eye, 
if it were deemed worth while to attempt it. 

Catarrh, felon, cold, distemper, all these are names of one distem- 
per, which prevails most in the spring of the year. The causes are 
various. Cows after calving are subject to colds. Where fever has 
not yet appeared, a warm cordial drink will often be beneficial. 

No. 7. 

Take sweet fennel seeds, fresh powdered, and cumin seeds, two 
ounces ; long pepper, turmeric, ginger, elecampane, one ounce ; treacle, 
or coarse sugar, two ounces. Mix in a quart of ale ; pour boiling hot 
upon the whole in a pitcher; cover down till lukewarm, and then 
give it. 

Cleansing drink. — Epsom salts, one pound, and two ounces of 
ginger, put into two gallons of bran slop, warm, is an excellent cleans- 
ing drink; to which may be added, if thought necessary, a pint of 
good ale. Ale is a good drink for cows. 

Colic or gripes produced by various causes. The following car- 
minative drink is recommended : 

No. 8. 

Take oil of turpentine, one ounce; tincture of opium, six drams; 
spirit of nitrous ether, two ounces ; water, one pint; mix for one dose. 
Or, give, if the colic is accompanied with costiveness, the following: 
Dissolve five drams of aloes in half a pint of brandy ; or purge should 
be given : other ardent spirit ; mix the infusion with two quarts of 
water gruel, and administer the draught in a lukewarm state. The 
animal should be kept dry. 

Cough.— JefTeries recommends for an old cough, to steep two 
pounds of hysop in one-half gallon of water, made thick with wheat 
bran and the roots of leeks, washed clean and bruised, to be given to 
the beast, fasting. Or, take common garlic with dragon water ; new 
ale and butter, any quantity thought necessary ; and being lukewarm, 
give it the beast ; repeat, if necessary. 

The following, from an old German book, is said to be a sovereign 
remedy for Husten des Rindviehs : 



354 the farmer's complete farrier. 

No. 9. 

Take garlic, four ounces ; fir tops and gentian, of each, two ounces ; 
tormentil root, dittany, angelica, zedoary, of each, one ounce ; laurel 
berries, and myrrh, each, two ounces; bole armenian, twelve drams; 
elder and juniper berries, of each, eight ounces; pulverize the whole, 
and add as much honey till it forms a mass of the consistency of 
molasses. From one-half to one ounce may be given at one time, 
in a pint of warm ale or cider. 

Cords or gut tie ; this is a fatal species of intestinal strangulation. 
This is a disease caused by improper feeding of calves, causing grip- 
ings and spasms which will so violently contract the intestines, into 
cords, as it is termed. The animal will show this affection by throw- 
ing itself down, <fec. The first thing to be done is to correct the 
morbid acidity in the stomach. 

No. 10. 

Take solution of potash, epsom salts, of each, two ounces; warm 
water or thin gruel, one-half pint. Dissolve the salts in the gruel ; 
add the solution of potash, and give it daily. 

Costiveness. — Calves, especially, are liable to this complaint. In 
case of a young calf, remove the dung from the fundament; inject a 
clyster composed of some sweet oil ; an infusion of mallows or camo- 
mile ; and give a gentle purgative drink. 

No. 11. 

Take glauber salts, two ounces ; powdered ginger, aniseed, a-half 
ounce each; treacle, two spoonfuls, with a pint of lukewarm water, 
having been poured hot on the ingredients, and left stand to cool. 
The quantity to be varied according to age. 

Cud, loss of. — Rumination, or the chewing of the cud, is that mo- 
tion of the first stomach, called the rumen, by which the food is 
forced back into the mouth to be perfectly masticated. The rumen 
sometimes ceases to perform its proper functions, and this is what is 
called loss of cud. To cure the loss of cud, give the animal the fol- 
lowing : 

No. 12. 

Take Barbadoes aloes, six drams; common salt, six ounces; gin- 
ger, powdered, three drams ; anodyne carminative tincture, two 
ounces ; water, one quart. Mix and give it early in the morning. 

JefTeries recommends, and we have seen it tried, and proved, to 
take a piece of leaven, put it into the beast's mouth, and it will recov- 
er; but if it be of long standing, take out the tongue of the beast, 
prick the vein under it with an awl in two or three places, so it bleeds 
plentifully, and it will get well. 



355 

Another cure ; administer the following warm laxative : 

No. 13. 

Take Barbadoes aloes, one-half ounce ; Castile soap, six drams ; 
ginger, three drams; cascarilla bark, two drams; warm water, one 
pint ; mix. After the operation of the laxative, give the following 
tonic drench: 

No. 14. 

Take cascarilla bark, ginger and soda, each two drams ; to be given 
in a pint of ale, beer or warm water; good julep for cows. — Vaneis- 
dorn. 

Never failing cure for loss of cud. — Take some honey and salt, 
and as much wheat bran as will make three balls the size of a hen's 
egg, and give it to the animal. This ball may be improved by adding 
one-half dram of asafetida. 

Diarrhea, or scouring, is common in cattle. To effect a cure it is 
necessary that the animals be taken under cover, kept warm and dry, 
and have nutritious food allowed them. If the scouring be obstinate, 
let half a pound of pulverized common chalk be boiled in two quarts 
of water, to which add four ounces of hartshorn shavings, and one 
ounce of cassia. When the decoction is cold, add two drams of 
laudanum, and one pint of lime water. The dose is one or two 
hornfuls, two or three times a day, according to the nature of the dis- 
ease. Or, give No. 112 or 111, Sect. 214, Part I. Or take about 
two pounds of mullen leaves, boiled in one gallon of milk, and given 
without being strained, adding, however, one dram of opium. 

JElfshot, or elfshotten^ a disease in horned cattle, the symptoms or 
concomitants of which, are sluggishness and loss of appetite. The 
original of the name seems to have been derived from the same source 
that sympathy, alias animal magnitismus, is derived from — supersti- 
tion, a prolific source of erroneous opinions. Those troubled with such 
notions, will maintain, at much expense of argument, that the cattle 
are shot hy witches, or elves, with hair balls. A late case has been 
gazetted and re-gazetted, in all the papers of the Union, which oc- 
curred in York county, Pennsylvania. We mean the Henry Miller 
and Daniel Sultzenberger scrape. 

The disease, however, is not an imaginary one — it is a real one — 
no sympathy about it. It is believed to be an opening in the peri- 
toneum or film of the belly, caused by relaxation. It resembles a hole 
made by a bullet, and may be felt through the skin, which remains 
unhurt. These openings are closed, and the animals cured by rubbing 
(not sympathetically) that part with salt and water. It should be re- 
peated two or three times in the course of a day. Any one can per- 
form — no particular one — not a seventh son need be entrusted to 
perform. We need no hocus pocus, as friend Clarke says, to cure all 
natural diseases — "some cloths to the contrary" 



356 THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

Fever. — Mild fever, pantas or pantasia. Cattle sometimes appear 
affected with heat, redness of the nostrils and eyelids ; they refuse 
food, are dull, evacuate and stale with difficulty ; and the urine is 
high colored. These symptoms are often aggravated every other day, 
giving it the appearance of intermittent affection. The complaint is 
often brought on by over driving in very hot weather, occasionally 
by pushing their fattening process too fast. If there be no appear- 
ance of malignancy, and the heaving be considerable, bleed, and give 
half an ounce of nitre in a drink night and morning; but unless the 
weather be cold do not house the animal. 

Inflammatory fever is called among farriers, cow-leeches, and gra- 
ziers, by the various names of black quarter, joint felon, quarter evil, 
quarter ill, showing of blood, joint murrain, striking in of the blood, 
&c. Various causes may bring this on. It is sometimes epidemic, 
and others it seems occasioned by a sudden change from low to very 
full keeping. Over driving has brought it on. No age is exempt 
from it, but the young oftener have it than the mature. Its inflam- 
matory stage continues but a few days, and shows itself by a dull 
heavy countenance, red eyes and eyelids : the nostrils are also red, 
and a slight mucous flows from them. The pulse is peculiarly quick ; 
the animal is sometimes stupid, at others watchful, particularly at 
first; and in some instances irritable. The appetite is usually en- 
tirely lost at the end of the second day, and the dung and urine either 
stop altogether, or the one is hard and the other is red. About the 
third day a critical deposite takes place, which terminates the inflam- 
matory action : and it is to the various parts on which this occurs, 
that the disease receives its various names. The deposite is, how- 
ever, sometimes universal, in the form of a bloody suffusion through- 
out the whole skin. In others, swellings from the joints, or on the 
back or belly; and in fact, no part is exempt from their attack, — 
Sometimes the animal swells generally or partially, and the air being 
suffused under the skin, crackles to the feel. After any of these ap- 
pearances have come on, the disease assumes a very malignant type, 
and is highly contagious. 

Treatment of inflammatory fever. — Before the critical abscesses 
form, or at the very outset of the disease, bleed liberally, and purge 
also: give likewise a fever drink, (No. 74, Sect, 188, Part I.) If, 
however, the disease be not attended to, in this early stage, carefully 
abstain from bleeding or even purging: but instead, throw up clys- 
ters of warm water and salt to empty the bowels, and in other respects 
treat as detailed under malignant epidemic. (No. 73, Sect. 188.) 
It may be added, that four drams of muriatic acid, in three pints of oak 
bark decoction, given twice a day, has proved useful. The swellings 
themselves may be washed with warm vinegar both before and after 
they burst. 

Fits or phrenzy. — Symptoms nearly similar to those which show 
themselves in the horse. The treatment must be same as that of the 
horse. — See Index — Phrenzy. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 357 

Foul in the foot, or hoof-ail. — Dr. Peck describes this disease thus : 
A hard crack first appears between the hoofs, attended with inflam- 
mation — fetid and offensive matter is discharged, similar to the grease 
in horses. Sometimes it appears in the form of a large tumor upon 
inflammation. Cleanse it well, says E. Skellet, then apply the fol- 
the coronet, between the hair and foot, attended with violent pain and 
lowing ointment. It should be spread on tow, and bound on with 
cloth and string. Soft soap, common turpentine, of each, one pound, 
to be put into a pipkin, over a slow fire, until it is completely dis- 
solved; then take it from the fire and add four ounces of terpentine, 
which should be stirred until it is incorporated. Or, you may apply 
No. 145, Part I. 

Garget is a disease among cattle, especially among cows ; their 
udders become greatly extended and indurated with this distemper, of 
which they will pine away and die, unless a remedy be speedily ap- 
plied. M. Gelle, a French writer, recommends the opening of the 
dew-lap, and inserting into it a piece of the root of Mechoacan, as 
big as a nutmeg, with a string fastened to it, that it may be drawn 
out when the cure is effected. The humor, he says, will, in twenty- 
four hours, be revulsed from the udder to the dew lap, and soon dis- 
charges itself at the orifice, which completes the cure. The causes 
of garget are various — exposing the animal to cold and wet, and the 
want of physic, after calving, often produces garget. The best mode 
of treatment is, washing and fomenting the udder and teats, giving a 
dose of physic, and the application of the following ointment: Take 
an ounce of yellow wax, and three of lard ; melt them together, and 
when they begin to get cool, rub in one-quarter of an ounce of sugar 
of lead, and one dram of alum finely powdered — apply. The cure 
is certain. 

Grain sickness .—This disease is caused by a surfeit of grain; and 
its remedies are bleeding and purging. Dr. Skellet recommends to 
take not less than three quarts of blood: and he also recommends the 
following purging drink: sulphur, ten ounces; nitre, two ounces; 
turmeric and cumin seeds, of each, one ounce. 

Dr. Parkinson strongly recommends chamber lye and salt as an 
effectual remedy for grain sickness. 

Horn distemper. — Writers say this is a disease which has its seat 
in the horns. The distemper causes the pith of the horn to be gra- 
dually consumed. It is occasioned by poor keeping, by which the 
blood becomes thin and reduced, and does not circulate properly in 
the extremities. 

Those who are curious, mav see a "horny" discussion of this sub- 
ject in the Farmer's Cabinet, Vol. II. 

To cure this disease, Dr. Dean recommends that the horn should 
be bored with a nail gimblet, in such a manner as to effect the dis- 
charge of the matter which has become purulent. The hollow part 
should be cleansed ; then inject a mixture of rum, honey, myrrh and 



358 THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

aloes, and give laxatives immediately, or before the gimblet and 
syringe are called into requisition. 

Hollow horn, to prevent. — By pouring about half a gill of spirits 
of turpentine in the cup or cavity on top of the head, just behind the 
junction of the horns; let it be repeated about ten days or two weeks 
after the first application. — Proved. 

Hoves, hoven, blown, or fog sickness. — This complaint is usually 
occasioned by the animal feeding for a considerable time upon rich, 
succulent food, so that the stomach becomes distended or overcharged, 
and they, through their greediness, forget to lie down to chew the 
cud. 

There are many cures in books for hoves. Dr. Young announces 
the following as a specific for this disease: Take three gills of olive 
oil; one pint of melted butter or hog's lard; give this mixture by 
means of a horn or bottle, and if it does not produce a favorable 
change in fifteen minutes, repeat the same quantity, and walk the 
animal gently. 

We will now venture a word or two, and a cure which will not fail. 
We have the cure from an old friend near Manheim, Lancaster county, 
Pennsylvania. 

The succulent matter, while undergoing fermentation in the dis- 
tended stomach, creates a great deal of carbonic acid gas in the sto- 
mach. Now, to neutralize this, we think our friend's cure is the 
thing. He says, make as quick as you can, a pint or more of lye, 
either with hot embers thrown into a quart of water; or, dissolve, if 
at hand, pearl or potash, and turn it down the throat of the cow — up 
comes the wind — it will relieve at once. — Proved. 

A spoonful or two of hartshorn and warm water will cure hoves. 
Capt. James Cooper of Haddonfield, N. J., has published a cure for 
hoven cattle, which is simple, and has been tested. Make a twisted 
band of straw, the size of the wrist, and place it in the mouth of the 
animal, drawing it tight, and making fast the ends over the head, just 
behind the horns. This will cause the beast to endeavor to rid itself 
of the inconvenience, by chewing the band; and the act of moving 
the tongue and jaws will open the gullet, and permit the pent-up air 
to escape. This receipt is worth double the price of the whole book. 

Compiler. 

Jaundice or yellows. — This disease may be known, principally 
by the yellowness of the eyes and mouth ; a dull or languid appear- 
ance. 

At the beginning of the disease, give the following drink : 

No. 15, 

Take Castile soap, one-half ounce ; Venice turpentine, one-third 
ounce ; ginger, three drams ; powdered gentian, one ounce ; rub the 
soap and turpentine together in a mortar, until they are incorporated ; 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 359 

then add gradually a pint of water, and afterwards the ginger and 
gentian. 

Another remedy is, after bleeding, to give the following : 

No. 16. 

Take nitre, in powder, three ounces; salt of tartar, Castile soap, 
of each one-ounce ; epsom salts, four ounces ; rhubarb, one-half ounce ; 
turmeric in powder, two ounces ; divide these when well rubbed to- 
gether, into two doses, and give them every twenty-four hours, in a 
quart of warm whey or gruel. If necessary, bleeding must be re- 
peated. 

Joint oil or synovia, loss of. — Wounds, or punctures of joints, 
often penetrate so deep as to pierce through the tendons and ligaments, 
occasioning a loss or discharge of the natural secretion of the joint, 
viz : Its oil or synovia ; the same accident may happen from any 
injury exciting inflammation, and that inflammation passing on until 
it produces an opening into the joint. This disease is always an 
alarming one, and the principle of cure is to produce the process of 
healing as quickly as possible, by exciting active inflammation ; this 
may be done after the first effects of the injury have subsided, in 
consequence of bleeding, purging and fomenting, in the usual man- 
ner, and then applying the volatile blister to the joint, composed of 
Spanish flies, in powder, two drams, and spirits of ammonia, four 
ounces; at the same time the orifice is to be plugged with a tent, 
dipped in the following composition: 

Take sweet spirits of nitre, three drams ; butter of antimony, and 
extract of lead, each, two drams. 

The blister and caustic may be occasionally repeated; the mixture 
every twenty-four hours, till the effusion of joint oil is completely 
stopped ; then the following balsam may be applied once or twice a 
day, in order to heal up the wound: 

Take tincture of myrrh, two ounces ; blue vitriol water, one-half 
ounce. 

The vitriol water may be made by dissolving ten drams of blue 
vitriol, in powder, in a pint of hot water; the balsam to be well sha- 
ken together previous to using it. The blister is to be well rubbed 
on the joint, till a plentiful discharge takes place from the surface, 
when it becomes no longer requisite. By this treatment a cure is 
generally effected, unless when the bones are materially injured along 
with the soft parts, and then any plan of cure will prove ineffectual. 

Lice sometimes are troublesome to neat cattle, — To kill them, 
take a little quicksilver, and work it well with fasting spittle, so says 
JerTeries, upon the palm of your hand till the quicksilver be killed ; 
then take the white of two eggs and bray them with quicksilver till 
they be as an ointment; spread these upon a list that will go round 
about the beast's neck; let it be broad as your hand, and they will 
come to it, and it will kill them. Rub some train oil on several parts 
of the beast. 



360 the farmer's complete farrier. 

A strong decoction of tobacco will kill lice ; it will certainly drive 
them away. 

C later recommends the following wash : — Take stavesacre, (lark- 
spur or lousewort,) half a pound; tobacco cut small, two ounces; 
boil in one gallon of urine down to three quarts. With this wash, 
sponge such parts as are infested ; repeat if necessary, in five days. 
A piece of brimstone as large as a grain of corn, well pulverized, 
given in salt, will cause them to drop off, and prevent others from 
getting on for eight or ten days. Repeat when necessary. It is con- 
sidered that brimstone is as necessary for a cow in summer as salt. 

Mange. — This is a cutaneous disease, which is very contagious. 
Its symptoms are, a scarf on the external part of the body, which is 
always attended with itching. Some say it is caused by a kind of 
animalcula, which burrows in the skin. But we think it generally 
proceeds from scanty or improper food, during the winter ; it only, 
we believe, makes its appearance in spring. Rub off the scurf with 
a currycomb; then apply with a hard brush, well rubbed on, the 
following ointment: 

No. 17. 

Take hog's lard, eight ounces ; spirit of turpentine, two ounces ; 
flower of sulphur, four ounces; sulphur vivum, two ounces. 

The following drink, will, by promoting the suspended secretion, 
very much accelerate the cure : 

No. 18. 

Take of caraway seed, in powder, aniseed, flour of sulphur, of 
each, two ounces; grains of Paradise, and nitre, each, one ounce; 
crude antimony, one-half ounce ; treacle, four spoonfuls. Mix it in 
a quart of warm ale, and give in one dose. If required repeat. 

Milk, or puerperal fever. — (See Fever above.) The milk fever 
attacks cows generally in a high condition at the time of calving. If 
the fever is high, as soon as possible, and repeat it every twenty-four 
hours, give the drink recommended under article Abortion, No. 2. — 
If the bowels be not readily moved by a purgative, inject the follow- 
ing clyster : 

No, 19. 

Take thin gruel, three quarts ; common salt, eight ounces; spirits 
of turpentine, one-half pint ; treacle, four ounces. Mix ; give luke- 
warm. 

The following cordial drink may be given as soon as the bowels 
are opened : 

No. 20. 

Take grains of Paradise, ginger, salt of tartar, oil of turpentine, of 
each, one-half ounce ; aniseed, caraway, flour of mustard, each two 
ounces ; treacle, four spoonfuls. Mix, and give in a auart of warm 
gruel, with a wine glass of gin and brandy ; both good for cows ! 



361 

Moor-ill, wood-ill or evil, all imply the same disorder ; a weak- 
ness of the digestive system, proceeding from debility by taking cold 
from being exposed. The best remedy is to provide a warm place 
and nutritious food for your cattle thus affected, and give the follow- 
ing drink: 

No. 21. 

Take grains of Paradise, aniseed, caraway seed, fenugreek, of 
each, two ounces. Mix it in two pints of warm water, and give it 
at once with two spoonfuls of treacle or coarse sugar. 

Puckeridge or wornals, are tumors on the backs of cattle occasion- 
ed by a dipterous insect which punctures their skin, and deposits its 
eggs in each puncture. When the eggs are hatched, and the larva 
or maggots are arrived at their full size, they make their way out, and 
leave a large hole in the hide, to prevent which the destruction of the 
egg should be attempted by nipping the tumor, or thrusting in a hot 
wire. 

Poison. — Cattle are sometimes poisoned by eating laurel. The 
symptoms are foaming at the mouth, and the greenish juice by which 
the mouth is discolored, is an evidence of poison. 

Remedy. — Take one pint of sweet oil, or hog's lard; mix with it 
two quarts of new milk, and administer. If given seasonably, a cure 
is generally effected. Or give the diseased animal the white of eight 
or ten eggs ; it will relieve the animal. 

A gallon of strong infusion of mountain dittany, has in many in- 
stances been given, and afforded instant relief. 

Red water. — (See article, Black water.) — The name of this malady 
indicates its nature. When an animal is attacked with this disease, 
it should be placed under shelter, and drenched with a pound of glau- 
ber salts ; repeating the dose on the succeeding day. Perhaps the fol- 
lowing is a better remedy : make a strong decoction of Peruvian or 
oak bark, with a small quantity of alum ; give it to the extent of two 
or three hornfuls twice or thrice a day. 

Staggers. — The seat of this malady is either the stomach or brain. 
When it arises from the former case, medicine is of but little avail. 
When staggers arise from fulness of blood, bleeding and cooling pur- 
gatives should be resorted to, and the animal should be confined in a 
warm stable, and rubbed freely with straw every day. The follow- 
ing drench has often been given to advantage : 

No. 22. 

In one quart of water, put Barbadoes aloes, six drams; common 
salt, eight ounces ; flour of mustard, one-ounce ; brandy or rum, a wine 
glassful. Then follow it by the following clyster, and blood letting : 

No. 23, 

Take common salt, eight ounces ; warm water, four quarts. 
24 



362 THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 

Tail sickness; a distemper well known. — The end of the tail 
becomes hollow and relaxed, but not destitute of feeling. A cure is 
easilv effected. Cut off a small piece of the tail which will be attend- 
ed with a discharge of some blood. But when the tail is but little 
affected, and near to the end, a slit of two inches in the end of it, is 
preferable to amputation. We know what Leiberkuhn has said on 
this subject: we never tamed "black cats" for the purpose! 

Teats, sore ones. — To heal sore teats the following ointment ought 
always to be kept ready: Take elder ointment and yellow basilicora 
ointment, of each, four ounces ; spirits of turpentine, one ounce ; 
mix them well. The cow's teats may be well rubbed with this oint- 
ment ever night and morning after milking. If, in summer, and the 
flies plague them, add one ounce of asafetida or aloes in powder, and 
dissolve it along with the ointment. This will prevent the flies. 

Ulcers are solutions of the soft part of an animal's body, together 
with the skin. The following applications are good to cure ulcers : 

No. 23. 

Take goose grease, one pound ; hog's lard, two pounds ; red lead ? 
three ounces ; pulverized alum, one ounce. 

No. 24. 

Ulcers, inflamed, a fomentation for. — -Take camomile flowers, one- 
half pound; wormwood, a handful; bay and juniper berries, four 
ounces ; yeast, six quarts ; vinegar, one quart. The whole to be 
boiled for fifteen minutes. 

If there be fungous matter, or proud flesh, a small quantity of the 
following caustic over the whole surface, will act as escharotic: 

No. 25. 

Take soft soap, one ounce ; arsenic, oil of vitriol, spirits of laven- 
der, each, one-half ounce. The soap and arsenic to be mixed, and 
then the vitriol added by degrees. 

No, 26. 

Ulcers, cancerous. — First cleanse the wound from all extraneous 
matter; sprinkle it with red precipitate ; and afterwards dress it with 
the following: — Egyptiacum, two ounces; compound tincture of 
myrrh, spirits of turpentine, of each, one ounce; sublimate, powder- 
ed, one dram ; spirit of salt, four drams. Mix, and keep it in a bottle 
for use. Dress the wound with small pledgets of lint dipped in the 
above mixture, once a day. 

Urine, bloody. — -If a cow or ox passes bloody urine, make a slop 
or drink of bran, put into it a small handful of fluellen, celandine, an 
onion bruised, and one pint of linseed oil, and let the animal drink it. 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE EARRTEH. B6I 

Vomiting. — Our attention was directed to this subject from listen- 
ing to an angry discussion between two butchers, on vomiting by- 
cattle. They were at issue and could not decide ; coming accident* 
ally to the dispute, the question was put to us : what is your opinion? 
We promised to read and think on the subject, and then give the re- 
sult of our enquiries. We here insert a translation of an article to 
the point, from a work, entitled Journal Pratique, 1830, page 322. 

A certain Mons. Fleureus, having made several tests, but did not 
succeed in making an ox vomit, (see Recueil Med. Yet. Aout, 1833,) 
he concluded neat cattle cannot vomit — his attention was directed to 
the journal above quoted, where he found recorded a case of true 
vomiting. This case appeared singular, and was accordingly re- 
corded. An ox presented the following appearance: the hair rough 
and shaggy, the skin dry and close, the muzzle feverish, with no ap- 
petite ; rumination tardy and at long intervals; considerable tension 
of the left flank. Rumination was preceded by deep and sonorous 
eructations or belchings, having a penetrating odor. This lasted from 
eight to ten minutes, after which the animal got up, backed himself 
in his stall, stretching the chain on his neck, his fore-limbs trembled, 
he brought his hind extremities under him, and bent his neck, de- 
pressed his head, and, after a deep and powerful inhalation, he 
vomited fifteen pounds of semi-fluid matter, perfectly triturated. — . 
The vomiting ceased, the ox remained for a moment motionless, and 
then lay down again and ruminated afresh. He continued this about 
thirty-five minutes, when he had a renewed fit of vomiting, perfectly 
similar to the preceding. 

The author of the book proceeds to state, that the ox was bled and 
physicked, and the disease was soon cured. 

He supposes the cause of vomiting, in this case, arose from driv- 
ing the animal in warm weather, and over-heating, and then obliging 
the ox to drink putrid water. 

Another writer, M. Crewzel, relates several instances of oxen and 
cows vomiting. The curious and doubting, if they can read, will be 
satisfied on this subject, if they will consult an interesting work, 
called Memoir e surle Vormissement, par T. Girard, p. 21 to 29. 

Warts are excrescences growing from the cuticle, at first, but after- 
wards identified with the true skin. Any of the mercurial ointments. 
If applied, will remove warts, 

Wethering, or retention of the after-birth or burden. — It sometimes 
happens that this is retained; for which no better remedy has been 
hitherto discovered, than warm clothing and drenching with ale, 
administered as a forcer. 

Wounds. — Cattle are liable to wounds. In cases of common flesh 
wounds, apply a salve made of white lead and oil of turpentine, in- 
corporated with a little brandy ; drawing the lips of the wound close 
together, so as to exclude the air. If the laceration be deep, it should 
be washed with warm milk water, and the ragged flesh, if any, cut 



364 THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER*. 

away ; after which the wound may be filled with tow, dipped in oint- 
ment, composed of Venice turpentine and balsam copaiva, in equal 
parts, mixed with double the quantity of yellow basilicon. 

Worms.—" These are occasionally found in the intestines of cattle. 
The following is recommended by Diegendesch, as a perfect cure. — 
Take pulverized masterwort, calcined deer's horn, pulverized chalk, 
of each, one-half ounce; mix it with one pint of wine or vinegar; 
give it as a drench, at once. 



RAISING CALVES. 

[From the Genesee Farmer.] 

It is a very general practice in many places, to permit calves to run 
with, or at least to suck the cows during the first season, and a pre- 
valent opinion is that this is the best way to raise them. The former 
practice — that of allowing the calf to run constantly with the cow — - 
is always injurious to a good milker, for unless a cow has the whole 
of her milk regularly drawn from her, which rarely happens where 
it is left entirely to the will of the calf, unless the udder is completely 
emptied, the lactic secretions are constantly diminished- — and the cow 
would consequently become eventually dry. But where the calf is 
turned to the cow only at stated intervals — at morning and evening — 
and pains are taken that all the milk is withdrawn, although this does 
not injure the cow, yet it is found to be a very expensive practice; 
for a calculation will readily show that the milk of a cow during the 
season, if appropriated to dairy use, would bring more than the whole 
value of the calf in autumn. Giving the calf but a part of the milk 
of the cow, and weaning it early in summer and turning it to pasture, 
is no improvement; for unless it has a good supply of nutritious food, 
and unless this is continued through the season, there can be no hope 
of raising a valuable animal. The frequent raw-boned, stunted, ill- 
shaped ones, which we see, are a sufficient comment on the truth of 
this. 

Experience has shown, both in England and in this country, that 
the finest animals may be raised in great numbers, without allowing 
them to suck the cow after the first three or four days. One of the 
best practices is the following: — The calf is allowed to suck a few 
days, till it has increased in strength and appetite, sufficient to enable 
it to swallow readily, during which time care should be taken to milk 
the cow while it is sucking, in order to draw off the whole of the 
milk; it should then be separated from the cow. Some recommend 
even to remove it when it is not more than twelve hours old. It may 
be learned to drink by allowing it to suck the finger placed in the 
vessel. It should at first be fed entirely on new milk. In two or 
three days, a very small quantity of water, of the same temperature 
with the milk, is added, and increased very gradually day after day ; 



365 

at the same time a small quantity of meal is to be added with it, and 
this also is to be gradually increased, and at the same rate, in order to 
supply the deficiency of nourishment occasioned by the addition of 
the water. At the same time, skimmed milk may be gradually sub- 
stituted for new milk. This should at first be boiled, and afterwards 
cooled to the proper temperature, as otherwise it would be liable to 
cause purging. The temperature may then be gradually diminished 
till it is given cold. Thus in a few weeks the calf will have learned 
gradually, but almost imperceptibly, to subsist entirely on water or 
old milk mixed with meal. The meal at first should be fine, but 
coarser may subsequently be substituted ; and finally shorts or bran 
may be given if necessary. By thus gradually accomplishing any 
change, it may be done without the least difficulty; at the same time 
there will be no danger of injury to the calf, which would be the 
case if sudden changes were employed. Sudden changes indeed, 
should never in any ease be adopted, for they are always detrimental, 
and sometimes fatal. 

Calves for killing, may be fattened in this way, and with proper 
attention be in as good condition at an age of five or six weeks, as 
when fed exclusively on new milk; and it may in many instances, be 
of importance to adopt it for fattening calves, especially during the 
season of the year, when milk is valuable. 

Calves should have, at all times, plenty of clean litter and a good 
supply of fresh air. Calves for the butcher sometimes injure them- 
selves by sportiveness ; this may be prevented by keeping them 
nearly in the dark, as they evince less of a playful disposition than 
when exposed to full light. But they should never, on any account, 
be confined by tieing, for this does not abate the restlessness of their 
disposition, and they are constantly spending themselves in exertions 
to get loose. 

It is a very improper but not unfrequent practice, to give little atten- 
tion to calves, after the early part of the season, and to suffer them 
to feed on pasture alone, without any other food. In this way they 
very commonly become poor, and but little prepared to withstand the 
coming winter. Their future value greatly depends on their treat- 
ment during the first year, consequently they should be kept in good 
condition throughout the season ; and through autumn they should be 
gradually accustomed to the food on which they are to be wintered , 



zm 



III.— OF SHEEP. 

The diseases of sheep are numerous in some countries* In thisy 
unless too carelessly treated, their diseases are few. Where, how- 
ever, sheep are not attended to, as duty demands, they are liable to 
the following diseases, which we have named below, and pointed out 
cures for all maladies incident to this valuable animal : 

Blood. — The blood is a fatal malady to which sheep are liable* 
The symptoms are panting, heaving of the flanks, and standing stilL 
The most effectual remedy is bleeding, and a mixture of common 
sal-t and nitre mixed with bran. The animal should also be turned 
into a dry pasture* 

Blast, or hoves. — Sheep, like cattle, are subject to hoves. Com- 
mon salt and water, made strongly saline, has cured this disease. A 
certain French writer recommends to take three ounces of tar, and 
fifteen of new milk; half an ounce of solution of prepared ammonia* 
and give one gill at a time, and repeat it if necessary. 

Braxy y dry braxy, water braxy, bowel sickness — all names for the 
same disease, perhaps varying at different stages. It is an inflam- 
matory disorder, which quickly terminates in dropsy of the belly or 
chest. The cure recommended, is to bleed freely from the neck vein ; 
give some salt, in half a pint of water, and a tea spoonful of tincture 
of opium ; a dram of powdered aloes may be added, and a little 
ginger. 

Claveaux, or sheep pox. — This disease appears in small pimples ; 
sometimes in blotches and pustules, on the skin. This disease is to- 
be treated like inflammatory fever in the ox or cow. 

Colic, — A wind colic will also sometimes affect sheep more from 
the quality than the quantity of what they eat; it is best relieved by 
an ounce of castor or salad oil, with an ounce of gin. 

Cough. — The usual remedy for this disease is bleeding about one 
pint. If any medicine is required, give half an ounce of common, 
or one ounce of epsom salts, dissolved in four ounces of thin gruel. 
Then give the diseased animal some garlic bruised, in slop made of 
wheat bran. 

Disorder of the eyes. — If the eyes are inflamed or sore, the re- 
medy is simple. Press out the juice of celandine, and drop a quan- 
tity of it into the eyes, night and morning. 

Dropsy. — Sheep are liable to this disease. Tapping, fresh and 
wholesome pasture, are perhaps the only remedies. 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 36? 

'Fever. — Fever in sheep is an inflamed state of the blood, disorder- 
ing- the eyes and mouth, and affecting the whole body, though not 
visibly. When any of the symptoms of a fever appear, the feet of 
the sheep should be examined, and if found to be hot, there is no 
doubt of the character of the disease. Other diseases will produce 
an inflammation of the eyes and mouth; but hot feet are an infalli- 
ble symptom of fever. This disease is often fatal in itself, and fre- 
quently induces others which are equally so. The cause is generally 
a cold. When only two or three of the flock are affected by it, the 
case is less desperate ; but when many are attacked with it, it is 
snore fatal. 

The remedy is to keep the sheep in warmer and more sheltered 
places, bleed and give the following medicine : Heat a quart of ale, 
and dissolve it in an ounce of mithridate — add half an ounce of Vir- 
ginia snakeroot, and one dram of cochineal in powder. This quan- 
tity serves for four doses, and one of them to be given morning and 
evening. If the sheep is bound in its body, an ounce of lenitive 
-electuary is to be mixed with each dose-; but if looser than ordinary 
it ought not to be checked as it will contribute to the cure. 

Foot worms.— Sheep are liable to breed worms between their feet ; 
principally, however, when they are kept in wet pastures. It is very 
painful to them, and will make them pine away. It is perceived by 
their frequent holding up one foot; and by setting it tenderly down, 

Let the foot be washed clean, particularly between the toes, and 
there will be found a little lump like a tuft of hair. This is the head 
of the worm. It is to be taken out with care, for it is of a tender 
substance, and if it be broke in the foot, it will occasion inflammation. 
The best method is to open the flesh on each side of it, and then, by- 
means of a pair of nippers, to take it out. Dress the wound with 
tar and grease melted together in equal quantities, and turn the sheep 
loose. It is better to put it into a fresh pasture, for if the same dis- 
order returns, it is generally worse. 

Foot rot. — For the foot rot in sheep, take alum, green vitriol 
and white mercury, the first in the largest proportion : dissolve them 
in water, and after the hoof is pared, anoint it with a feather, and 
bind on a rag all over the foot. 

The Middlesex shepherds use the green vitriol alone, after pound- 
ing it fine. Others again anoint with a feather dipped in aquafortis, 
or weak nitric acid. The drovers to Smithiield carry a bottle of this 
with them, to apply to lame sheep. It hardens the hoof, and enables 
the sheep to travel better. Another mode is to spread three or four 
inches of slacked lime over a floor, pare the sheep's feet well, and 
turn them into this house, where they may remain for a few hours, 
and then be put into a dry pasture. The treatment may be twice or 
thrice repeated. 

To prevent the foot rot.— Keep the sheep in dry pastures, and if 
stony, the better; examine them often and carefully; and when any 
fissures or cracks, attended with heat make their appearance, apply 



368 

oil of turpentine and common brandy. When these do not avail? 
wash the diseased part, and pare as close as possible without drawing 
blood, and apply some of the caustics above named. In all cases it 
is of great consequence that the animal be afterwards exposed only 
to a moderate temperature— be invigorated with proper food and kept 
clean in early dry pasture. 

Jaundice. — Sheep are more subject than any other animals to ob- 
structions of the liver. When this is the case it is seen in a yellow- 
ness of the eyes, and a tinct of the same kind in the skin. Farmers 
in some places, call this the choler, or, in their language the color. 

When sheep are attacked with jaundice they should be put into an 
open pasture, and kept in moderate motion,, but not fatigued. Boil 
in four gallons of water two pounds of fennel roots, the same quan- 
tity of parsley roots, and twice as much roots of couch-grass, all cut 
small. When the water is very strong of them, and there is about 
half the quantity left, strain it off", by pressing it hard. Bruise as 
much great celandine as will yield three pints of juice, add this to 
the liquor, and put in three drams of salt of steel. Mix all together, 
and every day heat so much of it as will serve to give every sheep 
that is ill, a gill and a half for a dose. This, with the forementioned 
directions, rarely fails of a cure. 

Lambs. — Diseases of lambs are confined to indigestion, and erup- 
tion of secreted matter : the former shows itself in colic, which is 
relieved as in sheep, and also by diarrhea, to be likewise cured by 
the means detailed for them ; the latter is more obstinate, begins on 
the rump, gradually extending along the chine, and when it becomes 
more universal, it usually destroys. The cure consists in giving 
daily drinks of half a dram of cremor tartar, and one dram of sulphur, 
in four ounces of camomile decoction. Anoint also with mild mer- 
curial ointment and Turner's cerate in equal quantities. 

Lungs. — Sheep are subject to be diseased in the lungs, which is 
easily perceived by their breathing, or by their coughing. Nothing 
requires a more speedy remedy ; for they grow incurable, when it is 
neglected but a short time, and die as men in the consumption. 
Change of their pasture is essential to the cure- — without it no reme- 
dy is effectual. It is owing to cold, and generally attacks sheep that 
have been kept on low grounds in wet weather. 

When any of the flock exhibit symptoms of diseased lungs, drive 
them into an enclosed pasture where there is short grass and gravelly 
soil ; and where there is spring or other running water. Bruise a 
basketful of the leaves of colt's foot, and press out the juice. — 
Bruise a quantity of plantain leaves and roots together, and press out 
the juice. Mix these, and bruise as much garlic as will yield about a 
fourth part as much juice as one of the others. Mix all together, and 
add to them a pound of honey, an ounce of aniseeds, and an ounce 
and a-half of elecampane. Give a quarter of a pint of this, warm, to 
every sheep that is affected, once in a day, and it will by degrees 
make a perfect cure. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 369 

Maggots in the head. — Maggots sometimes infest the head of 
sheep. Treatment is simple. Take sublimate powder, two drams ; 
one-half ounce of turpentine ; one quart of water ; shake it well, and 
apply to the infected part. As soon as this is applied, the maggots 
will creep to the outside of the wool ; brush them off, and apply train 
oil. Repeat if necessary. 

Nipples, sore ones. — Lambs often die of hunger from their dams 
refusing them suck. The cause of this, is sore nipples, or some 
tumor in the udder, in which violent pain is excited by the striking 
of the lamb. Washing with sugar of lead, or spirits, will remove 
the complaint. 

Pendro, goggles, turnsick, are all popular names for a disease, tech- 
nically called hydatids, Wasserblaeschen, (Ger.,) a very singular ani- 
mal, formed like a bladder, and distended with an aqueous fluid. This 
animal is known among medical writers as the tsenis globulus, which 
by some unaccountable means finds its way to the brain, and settles 
itself there, either in some of its ventricles or more frequently on its 
substance. Their size varies from the smallest speck to that of a 
pigeon egg, and the sheep it attacks are generally under two years old. 
These animals are likewise occasionally found in all the natural cavi- 
ties of the body. 

The appearances of cerebral hydatids are, stupidity, a disposition 
to sit on the rump, to turn to one side, and to incline the head to the 
same while at rest. The eyes glare, and from oval, the pupils be- 
come round. An accurate examination will now usually discover 
some softness at a particular part of the skull, generally on the con- 
trary side to that which the animal hangs the head ; when no softness 
of the skull is discernable, the hydatid usually exists in some of the 
ventricles, and the destruction of the sheep is certain and quick, from 
the greater disturbance to the functions of the brain ; but when it is 
situated on the surface, it sometimes requires many months to destroy ; 
an absorption of the bone takes place and the hydatid increases, which 
produces the thinness in the skull opposite to the affected part. 

This disease is not incurable, as has been supposed, but it is only 
relieved by a manual operation. In France it has -been successfully 
treated by the application of the actual cautery ; a pointed iron, heat- 
ed red hot, is forced through the skin and skull, to the surface of the 
brain ; the principal nicety of which, is in penetrating the hydatid 
with the hot iron without wounding the brain itself. In England, 
some shepherds are very dexterous at wiring, which they do by thrust- 
ing a wire up the nostrils till it rests against the skull. In the pass- 
age of the wire, the hydatid is usually ruptured ; others elevate the 
skull (by means of a trephine, or even a knife) opposite to the soften 
portion, and extract the hydatid, if possible, whole, which a little 
care will effect, by drawing it away with a blunt pincer, gently mov- 
ing it from side to side. Tapping is merely letting out the fluid 
contents of the hydatid by an awl, which is practiced by some shep- 
herds with success; and if the instrument be not thrust too far, the 



370 the farmer's complete farrier. 

animal is never injured; to avoid which, it is passed obliquely. A 
well hardened gimblet is a proper instrument, with which the skull 
is easily penetrated, and an opening by the twisting of the instrument 
is made, sufficiently large in the hydatid itself, to discharge its con- 
tents, which is all that, is sufficient to insure its destruction, and which, 
if no other exist, is followed by immediate recovery. 

Pelt rot. — In this disease the wool falls off, but the skin does not 
become sore, but merely covered with a white crust. The cure is 
easy : — Full feeding, warm keeping, and anointing the hard part of the 
skin with tar, oil, and butter, mixed together. 

Poison. — Sheep are sometimes poisoned by eating laurel or ivy. 

Remedy, — Take a gill of sweet oil, hog's lard or fresh butter; 
mix it with a pint of milk. Or, take an egg and give it to each of 
the sickened sheep, in the shape of a natural bolus, by simply break- 
ing the egg and slipping the yolk, and as much white as possible, 
down the throat of the animal. The sheep will then vomit up the 
leaves and green juice, but not the egg. 

Another effectual remedy to cure poisoned sheep, is to take three 
spoonfuls of floured mustard and a pint of warm water, and give it. 

Purging. — Leave nature to her course when a purging comes on 
with a fever ; but when the fever is abated it should be stopped ; and 
the same remedy that answers for this purpose, may be adopted for 
such purgings as come on of themselves. Boil a quarter of a pound 
of raspings of logwood in two quarts of water, till but a quart is left, 
and when it is nearly boiled down, put in a stick of cinnamon, strain 
it off, and give the sheep a quarter of a pint, four times a day, till 
the purging ceases. 

If this does not produce the desired result, the following addition 
will render it sure of success :— To every dose add a quarter of an 
ounce of diascordium without honey, and ten grains of Japan earth 
powdered, and give the doses only morning and evening. 

Red water. — This is an inflammation of the skin that often raises 
it into blisters, in which are contained a sharp humor, thin, watery and 
colored with blood. Nothing should be done to strike it in, but the 
cure must be effected by correcting the bad state of the blood. Sheep 
afflicted with it should be separated from the flock, otherwise it 
will be very apt to spread through the whole. They should also be 
put into a pasture where the grass is sweet and where they can have 
access to good water. 

Mix half an ounce of sulphur with an ounce of honey ; work it 
well together, and then divide it into two. Dissolve one of those in 
half a pint of juice of nettles, and give it every day for a fortnight. 
Slit the blisters when they are full of this watery humor, and having 
let the matter out, wet the place with juice of wormwood. After 
four days of this course, bleed them; and then continue the same. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 371 

Rot. — This is the most destructive disease to which sheep are sub- 
ject. Like the murrain, among cattle, it is contagious and generally 
spreads through the whole flock, and often over the neighboring 
country. Flocks that are fed upon open commons are more subject 
to it than those who have shelter, and are taken care of at night. It 
frequently prevails in cold seasons, and when dribbling rains come on 
soon after shearing. Want of food will also occasion this disease; 
as will likewise the eating of such grass as is full of unwholesome 
plants. These are among the causes of this fatal distemper ; but the 
worst and most common is infection. 

Keep sheep out of the way of these causes of the rot, and the 
same care will preserve them from most other disorders to which 
they are liable; damp grounds are always dangerous, and especially 
in wet seasons. 

When a sheep is infected with the rot, the white of the eyes looks 
dull, and they have a faint aspect, the animal is feeble and his skin is 
foul — the wool comes off in handfnls with the least touch and the 
gums look pale and the teeth foul. He will also be dull and listless 
in motion and heavy, as if his legs were not able to carry him. 
Many are generally infected at a time, and the first care must be to 
remove them from the sound ones, and put them in a close fold. 
They must have but little water, and their food must be dry hay and 
oats. Bleeding is destructive in the rot. The fact that sheep fed in 
salt marshes never have the rot, suggested salt as a remedy. It is a 
good preventive, but not an infallible cure. Though the farmer can- 
not rely upon it, yet among other remedies, it is highly useful. 

The following remedies and treatment have often effected cures. 
Bruise an ounce of the grains of Paradise, and four drinces of juni- 
per berries dried ; add to these four pounds of bay salt, and half a 
pound of loaf sugar, grind them all well together, and sprinkle some 
of this upon the hay and oats that are given the sheep. Let this be 
continued three days, and look from time to time to the eyes, and ex- 
amine every other way, to see whether they mend or grow worse. 
If there be signs of amendment let the same course be continued; if 
not, the following must he used : — Steep four pounds of antimony in 
two gallons of ale, for a week — then give the sheep this every night, 
and morning, a quarter of a pint at a time. Boil a pound of the 
roots of avens, and two pounds of the roots of masterwort, in two 
gallons of water, till there is not more than six quarts remaining — 
strain this off, and press it hard, then pour a pint of it into a pailful 
of water that is to be given to the sheep for their drink. 

By these means, carefully managed, and under a good regulation 
in cleanness, dryness and warmth, the rot will often be cured. 

Scab. — This is a disorder to which sheep are very liable. When 
they are kept in dry wholesome pastures they are but seldom afflicted 
with the scab ; but when they are on low wet grounds, or get under 
the drippings of trees in bad seasons they are frequently affected by 
it, in the severest manner. The symptoms are scurfy skins, which 



372 the farmer's complete farrier. 

in a little time rise to scabs ; the wool grows loose and the sheep pine 
and become lean. 

If they are attacked in a season when they can be sheltered, it 
should be immediately done, as nothing- is so sure to effect a cure. If 
the season will not admit of shearing, they must be washed with soap 
suds, made very strong, and used warm with a piece of flannel or a 
brush. After this they must be turned loose into a clean pasture and 
driven up again as soon as well dried, and the sore parts of the skin 
must be well wetted with lime water. The scurfy part of the skin 
must be regarded ; and the doing this three times, at two days dis- 
tance each, will generally effect a cure. But if it fail, the parts that 
have been thus washed and cleaned, must be anointed with a mix- 
ture of equal parts of tar and grease, and they will soon be perfectly 
well. No inward medicines are required, for the complaint is only 
of the skin. 

Staggers. — Sheep, as well as horses, are afflicted with the stag- 
gers. It is occasioned by improper food. Oak leaves and buds, are 
particularly prejudicial. They bind the bowels, and staggers fre- 
quently follow. The symptoms are the same as in sturdiness, but 
more violent ; and there is generally a trembling, at the same time, 
in all the limbs. 

To cure this disorder, dissolve an ounce of asafetida in two quarts 
of water. Give a quarter of a pint, warm, every three hours. It 
commonly opens the bowels at the same time that it takes immedi- 
ate effect on the nervous system, and thus performs a cure. When 
the sheep are recovered, let them be kept out of the way of a return 
to the same food, and they will be in no danger of a relapse. 

Staggers, Blind. — Half a pint of hog's lard melted and poured 
down a sheep, will cure the blind staggers in ten minutes. 

Sturdiness. — This is a giddiness in the head. It is owing princi- 
pally to rich feeding. The remedy is as follows : 

Bleed profusely and give the following medicine : Bruise some 
roots of wild valerian, squeeze out the juice, heat it, and give a quar- 
ter of a pint. Repeat the dose every four hours. When the sheep 
is recovered, turn it upon the common, or into some barren hilly pas- 
ture. It will be kept from relapses by having but little food, and 
that perfectly wholesome. If the disease returns, it is commonly 
fatal. 

Tag. — The tag is an external disease owing to the complaint last 
named. It is a distemper of the tail, beginning with filth and foul- 
ness, and ending in ulceration. The tag is situated in the inner part 
of the tail — it consists of scabs and sores, very painful and wasting 
to the animal, and is owing to the fouling this part by a purging. 
That tag is worst which follows a fever, because the inflamed state 
of the blood tends to increase the disorder, and when it begins during 
the continuance of the disease, the matter of the fever may chance 



373 

to settle it there. Two things are to be done ; the first is to stop the 
purging ; the other, to clean the tail. 

The last mentioned remedy, either in its weaker or stronger form, 
is to be used to stop the purging ; and the tail being clipped, and the 
sore part laid bare, first wash it with milk and water blood warm, 
and then with lime water. After this, turn the sheep into a clean 
dry pasture. Two days after look at it again, and, if not well, re- 
peat the washing, and anoint it with grease and tar mixed together. 
Twice doing of this is generally sufficient to complete the cure. 

Throat stoppage. — Sheep affected with stoppages in the throat, 
wheeze and breathe with difficulty. It is commonly occasioned by 
bad pasturage and colds. The remedy is to put them on higher 
ground, keep them warm and give them the following medicine : 

Bruise a good quantity of pennyroyal, and squeeze out the juice. 
Put to a quart of it, a pound of honey, and half a pint of sharp vine- 
gar. Give half a pint of this, blood warm, every night. 

Ticks. — A simple, easy, and infallible method to destroy ticks, is 
a free use of Scotch snuff, by applying on the back of the sheep. 

Lawrence recommends the following ointment as superior to tobac- 
co, in all its forms and applications : 

Take mercury, four ounces; Venice turpentine, two ounces ; spirit 
of turpentine, well mixed in a mortar; then add two pounds of hog's 
lard ; first well melt over a fire. This ointment applied, destroys all 
the ticks — promotes the health of the animal, and encourages the 
growth of the wool. 

Wood-evil. — This disorder is a kind of cramp. It seizes the legs 
and will often attack a whole flock at once. The cause is cold and 
wet. Laying under the drip of trees in raining seasons, has often 
occasioned it, and hence its name. 

In order to effect a cure, the sheep must be removed to a dry pas- 
ture and then proper remedies may take effect. The following medi- 
cine is recommended: Boil in a large quantity of ale as much cinquer 
foil and hedge mustard as can be well stirred into it. When the liquor 
is very strong, strain it off, and add a pint of juice of valerian root 
to every gallon. Give half a pint of this, morning and evening. 
Boil in vinegar a large quantity of the leaves of hedge mustard, and 
with the liquor hot, rub the legs. 

Worms. — If they are in the head of the sheep, the following cure 
should be tried : — Force vinegar by a syringe into the head of the 
sheep. This will produce sneezing and convulsions in the sheep, 
by which the worms will be discharged. 

A writer in the Genesee Farmer recommends a decoction of tobacco 
to be used as a substitute for vinegar. 

To prevent worms from forming in the head, tar the noses of sheep 
in summer time. 



374 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Mix a little fine salt with tar, just enough to make the tar agreea- 
ble to the animal, and place the mixture under cover, where the 
sheep can have access to it, and they will keep their noses sufficiently 
smeared to prevent the insect from attacking them. 

Wounds. — To cure wounds on sheep, a salve like the following 
should always be ready, and applied when needed: 

Let one ounce of myrrh and aloes, each, and four ounces of spirit 
of turpentine be mixed with a quart of good brandy ; the vessel should 
be corked up and exposed for one or two weeks to a moderate heat ; 
after which, it may be strained off and preserved for future use in a 
closely stopped bottle. 

Wounds about the head, called sore heads, which are caused by 
running against some object, sometimes become very aggravating. 
The following ointment will be found very useful in such cases : 

Black pitch, one pound; tar, eight ounces; black brimstone or 
native sulphur, in powder — put these ingredients in an iron pot, boil 
them over a slow fire, and as soon as the sulphur begins to unite 
with the rest of the ingredients, take the whole off the fire. Apply 
it as an adhesive plaster. 

At the solicitation of a special friend of the publisher, we add the 
following from the Practical Farmer, lately conducted by the Rev. 
John Winebrenner : 

Ji comparison of the different breeds of sheep. 

In the western states, where land is of course not so valuable as 
in the east, the Bakewell breed of sheep, although of a more tender 
constitution than the Southdown and Cotswold, and of coarser and 
smaller fleece, may be advantageously kept for their wool, not- 
withstanding its quality is rather coarse ; it appears, however, from 
all the information on this subject, (the comparative value of the 
breeds of sheep,) that the Southdown and Cotswold are much har- 
dier, better nurses of their lambs, and require less attention through 
our winter, and will live on shorter pasture in summer. The Meri- 
no and Saxon sheep have often too much the same objection as the 
Bakewell ; they are of rather weakly constitutions, and not very 
good in rearing their lambs. Some of the Southdown wool is 
pretty fine and makes good cloth : the mutton is, perhaps, superior 
to all other kinds, (excepting some of the small Welch breeds,) their 
constitutions are very vigorous and strong, and they will make a liv- 
ing in any situation. The Cotswold are equally hardy, but want 
richer keep than the Southdown, their fleeces weigh heavy, and their 
quarters have been known to reach eighty pounds in England. Some 
of the Southdown and Cotswold lambs have weighed, at six months 
old, sixty pounds; and when full grown, two hundred and forty 
pounds. 

We subjoin, in the first place, a comparative statement of the 
value of the different breeds of sheep : 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 375 

Saxon Lamb, six months old, weighing 18 lbs. at 6 cents, $1 08 
Merino lamb, " " 20 " 1 20 

Bakewell, " " 30 " 1 80 

Cotswold, " " 60 " 3 60 

Southdown, » " 50 " 3 00 

In the second place, their wool : 

Saxon Fleece, weighing 3 lbs. at 40 cents, - - - $1 20 
Merino, "3 31 93 

Bakewell, " 5 20 - - - - 1 00 

Cotswold, " 10 25 ... 2 50 

Southdown, " 5 31 - - - - 1 55 

Of course this is rating the best breed of sheep at the price of the 

common kind, which cannot be, for a long time to come. These 

animals are now worth about twenty dollars each, at least. 

In the third place, we give a comparative statement of the sheep 

when full grown : 

Saxon Sheep, weighing 50 lbs. at 4 cents, - - - $2 00 
Merino, "60 4 2 40 

Bakewell, "110 4 - - - - 4 40 

Southdown, "240 4 9 60 



IV.— OF SWINE. 

The diseases to which swine are subject, are not numerous.— 
Hogs are not easily doctored. More can be done for them by pre- 
venting, than curing diseases. And the best preventive is to give them 
wholesome food; keep their sties clean, airy and dry; give them 
room to exercise, and dry straw to lie on. If these things are at- 
tended to, and little brimstone and antimony given in small doses, 
and now and then some charcoal, they require little more attention 
except when actually diseased. They are subject to catarrh, &c. 

Catarrh and diseases of the lungs, are usually accompanied with 
a dry husky cough and a wasting of the flesh. The best remedy is, 
as above stated; a little antimony or madder, a comfortable dry sty, 
with wholesome food. To cure an obstinate case of catarrh, the fol- 
lowing has been highly recommended: 

Take two ounces of coriander seed; one of ginger; three of hon- 
ey ; and half an ounce of turmeric ; let it be powdered fine, and boiled 
in three quarts of new milk; then let the hog drink it. 

Fever.~- To cure this, says a porcine doctor, let them blood in the 
tail, and give them thrice a day, water wherin pepper and parsnep 
roots have been boiled. Old mother Jacobs of E. B., boils pokeroot, 
and gives it in swill to her fevered pigs. 



376 the farmer's complete farrier. 

Garget is an inflammatory affection of the udder of the swine, 
owing to the obstruction of the lactial ducts, by coagulated milk. — ■ 
When the disease is slight, the udders may be bathed with camphor- 
ated spirit. When the disease is violent, and the pigs do not suck 
their dams, the milk should be expressed by the hands. 

. Kidney worm. — This is a disease common in hogs, called weak- 
ness of the kidney. The following remedies have often been tried, 
and they never failed : Take twenty or thirty grains of calomel and 
mix it in half a pound of corn meal dough, and give it to the hog 
affected, and in a few hours he will be well. 

An experienced farmer says, that a free external application of 
spirits of turpentine, to the part affected, is a sovereign and infallible 
cure for the disease, if resorted to before the animal is worn out with 
the disorder. 

Mange. — This is a cutaneous eruption. The animal affected with 
it, should be thoroughly washed with strong soap lye, and rubbed 
with the following ointment : 

One ounce of flour of sulphur; two drams of hellebore; three 
ounces of hog's lard; one-half ounce of water of kali; so as to form 
an ointment. 

A little oil poured on the back of a hog will sometimes cure the 
mange. Some say a small mess of rye now and then, as a change 
in their food, is good against the mange, and other disorders. 

Measles. — It sometimes happens, though seldom, that swine have 
the measles ; while they are in this state, their flesh is very unwhole- 
some food. This disorder is not easily discovered while the animal 
is alive, and can only be known by its not thriving or fattening as the 
others. After the animal is killed and cut up, its fat is full of little 
kernals, about the size of the roe or eggs of a salmon. When this 
is the case, put into the food of each hog, once or twice a week, as 
much crude pounded antimony as will lie on a shilling. 

Schneyder recommends boiled hempseed to be mixed with the 
swill ; he says it has never failed to cure measles. 

Murrain.' — In the Annals of Agriculture, Vol. 36, the following 
recipe is inserted for the murrain in hogs : A handful of nettles pre- 
viously boiled in a gallon of small beer, when one-half pound of flour 
of sulphur, one-quarter pound of elecampane, three ounces of lico- 
rice, and one-quarter pound of aniseed are to be added in a pulverized 
state. This preparation should be administered in milk, and the 
quantity here stated is sufficient for six doses. 

The murrain in hogs is known by the animal's hanging down his 
head which is swollen ; short and hot breathing, palpitation of heart, 
staggerings, and an abundant secretion of viscid matter from the eyes. 

Pox. — Swine pox. Take an ounce of nitre, pound it, and dis- 
solve it in a pint of cider, add to it half a pint of sweet oil, and one 
spoonful of honey ; to be given to the swine lukewarm. 



THE FARMERS COMPLETE EAKRIER. 377 

'Staggers. — If hogs are affected with this disease, bleed them ; give 
them a small quantity of nitre. 

In this disorder, says J. P. De Gruehy, the animal turns round 
rapidly, and if not assisted, will die in half an hour. 

Remedy. — You will see a bare knob in the roof of the mouth.— 
Cut it and let it bleed. Take the powder of loam and salt; rub it 
with it, and then give the hog a little urine. — Mem. Phil. Agricultu- 
ral Society, Vol. II., page 28. 

Charcoal for hogs. — Charcoal is useful for fattening and preserv- 
ing the health of hogs. About one-half pint per day, will add to the 
health, and prove a specific against intestinal worms. 

Cutting and spaying.*— Cutting the young pig is performed at six 
or seven weeks old, according to their strength j in a week after which 
they may be weaned. After weaning shut up the sow closely, feed 
well, and on the reflux of the milk, she will express very loudly 
her desire for the company of the boar. It is necessary to state that 
sows are voracious, and occasionally fierce and savage animals, and 
have actually devoured young children. The sow is spayed while she 
gives suck, and the boar safely castrated at any age. The operation of 
castrating is performed by cutting them across the middle of each stone, 
then pull them gently out and anoint the wound with tar. Spaying is 
performed by cutting in the mid flank, on the left side, with a sharp 
knife or lance't; then stitch up the wound, anoint the part with tar 
salve, keeping the animal warm for two or three days. The usual 
way is to make the incision in a sloping manner, two inches and 
a-half long, that the fore-finger may be put in towards the back, to 
feel for the ovaries, which are two kernels as big as acorns, one on 
each side of the uterus, one of which being drawn towards the wound, 
the cord or string is cut, and thus both taken out. 



V.— OF DOGS. 

The following is from Loudon's Agricultural Encyclopedia, Part 
III., Book VI., Chapter VIII., Section 7403—7423, with some addi- 
tions and remarks ; and addenda, containing cures for hydrophobia. 

The diseases of dogs are very numerous. The following are de- 
scribed by Blaine as the most prevalent, with their methods of cure: 

The canine asthma is hardly ever observed to attack any but either 
old dogs, or those who, by confinement, too full living, and want of 
exercise, may be supposed to have become diseased by these devia- 
tions from a state of nature. It is hardly possible to keep a dog 
very fat for any great length of time, without bringing it on. This 
cough is frequently confounded with the cough that precedes and ac- 
companies the distemper, but it may be readily distinguished from 
this by an attention to circumstances, as the age of the animal, its 
25 



378 

not affecting the general health, nor producing immediate emaciation^ 
and its less readily giving way to medicine. 

The cure is often very difficult, because the disease has in general 
been long neglected before it is sufficiently noticed by the owners. 
As it is in general brought on by confinement, too much warmth, and 
over feeding; so it is evident the cure must be begun by a steady, 
persevering alteration in these particulars. The medicines most 
useful, are alteratives, and of these occasionally emetics are the best. 
One grain of tartarized antimony (i. e. tartar emetic) with two, three? 
or four grains of calomel, is a very useful and valuable emetic. This 
dose is sufficient for a small dog, and may be repeated twice a week 
with great success — always with palliation. 

Of diseases of the eye, dogs are subject to almost as great a variety 
as ourselves, many of which end in blindness. No treatment yet 
discovered will remove or prevent this complaint. 

Sore eyes, though not in general ending in blindness, are very 
common among dogs. It is an affection of the eyelids, is not unlike 
the scrofulous affection of the human eyelids, and is equally benefited 
by the same treatment: an unguent made of equal parts of nitrated 
quicksilver ointment, prepared tutly and lard, very lightly applied. 
Dropsy of the eyeball is likewise sometimes met with, but it is incu- 
rable. 

Cancer,— The virulent dreadful ulcer, that is so fatal in the human 
subject, and is called cancer, is unknown in clogs ; yet there is very 
commonly a large scirrus swelling of the teats in bitches, and of 
the testicles (though less frequent) in dogs, that as it sometimes be- 
comes ulcerated, so it may be characterized by this name. In the 
early state of the disease discutients prove useful, as vinegar with 
salt, and camphor and Spanish flies, with mercurial ointment, have 
sometimes succeeded ; taking care to avoid irritating the part so much 
as to produce blister. But when the swelling is detached from the 
belly, and hangs pendulous in the skin, it had better be removed, and 
as a future preventative suffer the bitch to breed. Scirrus testicles 
are likewise sometimes met with; for these no treatment yet discov- 
ered succeeds but the removal of the part, and thatbefore the spermatic 
chord becomes much affected, or it will be useless. 

Colic. — Dogs are subject to two kinds of colic ; one arising from 
constipation of the bowels, the other is a kind peculiar to dogs, appa- 
rently partaking of the nature of rheumatism, and also of spasm. 
From a sudden or violent exposure to cold, dogs become sometimes 
suddenly paralytic, particularly in the hinder parts ; having great 
tenderness and pain, and every appearance of lumbago. In every 
instance of this kind, there is considerable affection of the bowels, 
generally costiveness, always great pain. A warm bath, external 
stimulants, but more particularly active aperients, remove the colic. 
Colic arising from costiveness, is not in general violently acute from 
the pain it produces ; sometimes, however, it appears accompanied 
with more spasm than is immediately dependent on the confinement 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 379 

of the bowels. In the former, give active aperients, as calomel with 
pil. cochioe, i. e. aloetic pill and clysters ; in the latter castor oil with 
laudanum and ether. 

Cough.— -Two kinds of cough are common among dogs, one ac- 
companying distemper, the other in an asthmatic affection of the 
chest. 

Distemper. — This is by far the most common and most fatal 
among the diseases of dogs ; hardly any young dog escapes it — and 
of the few who do escape it in their youth, three-fourths are attacked 
with it at some period afterwards: it being a mistake that young dogs 
only have it. It, however, generally attacks before the animal arrives 
at eighteen months old. When it comes on very early, the chances 
of recovery are very small. It is peculiarly fatal to grey hounds, 
much more so than to any other kind of dog, generally carrying them 
off by excessive scouring. It is very contagious, but it is by no 
means necessary that there should be contagion present to produce it ; 
on the contrary, the constitutional liability to it is such, that any cold 
taken may bring it on ; and hence it is very common to date its com- 
mencement from dogs being thrown into water, or shut out on a rainy 
day, &LG. There is no disease which presents such varieties as this 
either in its mode of attack, or during its continuance. In some cases 
it commences by purging, in others by fits. Some have cough only, 
some waste, and others have moisture from the eyes and nose, with- 
out any other active symptom. Moist eyes, dullness, wasting with 
slight cough, and sickness, are the common symptoms that betoken 
its approach. Then purging comes on, and the moisture from the 
eyes and nose from mere mucus, becomes pus or matter — there is 
also frequently sneezing, with a weakness in the loins. When the 
disease in this latter case is not speedily removed, universal palsy 
comes on — during the progress of the complaint some dogs have fits. 
When one fit succeeds another quickly, the recovery is extremely 
doubtful. Many dogs are carried off rapidly by the fits or by purging; 
others waste gradually from the running from the nose and eyes, and 
these cases are always accompanied with great marks of putridity. 

In the early stages of the complaint, give emetics : they are pecu- 
liarly useful. A large spoonful of common salt dissolved in three 
spoonfuls of warm water, has been recommended ; the quantity of 
salt being increased according to the size of the dog, and the difficulty 
of making him vomit. While a dog remains strong, one every other 
day is not too much : the bowels should be kept open, but active purg- 
ing should be avoided. In case the complaint should be accompa- 
nied with excessive looseness, it should be immediately stopped by 
balls made of equal parts of opium, gum arabic, prepared chalk, and 
conserve of roses with rice milk as food. Two or three grains of 
James' powder may be advantageously given at night, in cases where 
the bowels are not affected, and in the cases where the matter from 
the nose and eyes betokens much putridity, we have witnessed 
great benefit from balls made of what is termed Friar's balsam, gum 
guaiacum, and camomile flowers in powder. Dogs in every stage of 



380 THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. 

the disease should be particularly well fed. A seton we have not 
found so useful as is generally supposed; where the nose is much 
stopped, rubbing tar on the upper part is useful, and when there is 
much stupidity and the head seems much affected, a blister on the top 
is serviceable. 

Or, Take one part aloes, two parts saltpetre, and four parts sul- 
phur, incorporate the whole together, and take as much as will lie on 
the point of a dinner knife, either put it into warm milk, and drench 
the dog, or give it to him in slices of meat. Tie up your dog for 
twenty-four hours after, and repeat the same in a day or two after, 
should the dog not be relieved. 

Fits. — Dogs are peculiarly subject to fits. These are of various 
kinds and arise from various causes. In distemper, dogs are fre- 
quently attacked with convulsive fits, which begin with a champing 
of the mouth and shaking of the head, gradually extending over the 
whole body. Sometimes an active emetic will stop their progress 
but more generally they prove fatal. Worms are often the cause of fits 
in dogs. These deprive the animal wholly of sense ; he runs wild 
till he becomes exhausted, when he gradually recovers, and perhaps 
does not have one again for some weeks. Confinement produces fits 
and likewise costiveness. Cold water thrown over a dog will gen- 
erally remove the present attack of a fit ; and for the prevention of 
their future recurrence, it is evident that the foregoing account of 
causes must be attended to. 

Inflamed bowels. — Dogs are very subject to inflammation of their 
bowels, from costiveness, from cold, or from poison. When inflam- 
mation arises from costiveness, it is in general very slow in its pro- 
gress, and is not attended with very acute pain, but it is characterized 
by the want of evacuation and the vomiting of food taken, though it 
may be eaten with apparent appetite. In these cases, the principal 
means to be made use of, are the removal of the constipation by 
active purging, clysters, and the warm bath. Calomel with aloes, 
forms the best purge. But when the inflammation may be supposed 
to arise from cold, then the removal of any costiveness that may be 
present, is but a secondary consideration. This active kind of in- 
flammation is characterized by violent panting, total rejection of food 
and constant sickness. There is great heat in the belly, and great 
pain ; it is also accompanied with great weakness, and the eyes are 
very red. The bowels should be gently opened with clysters, but no 
aloes or calomel should be made use of. The belly should be blister- 
ed, having first used the warm bath. When the inflammation arises 
from poison, there is then constant sickness, the nose, paws, and ears 
are cold, and there is a frequent evacuation of brown or bloody stools. 
Castor oil should be given, and clysters of mutton broth thrown up, 
but it is seldom any treatment succeeds. 

Inflamed lungs.' — Pleurisy is not an uncommon disease among 
dogs. It is sometimes epidemic, carrying off great numbers. Its 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 381 

attack is rapid, and it generally terminates in death on the third day, 
by a great effusion of water in the chest. It is seldom that it is taken 
in time, when it is, bleeding is useful, and blisters may be applied to 
the chest. 

Madness. — The symptoms of madness are concisely summed up 
by Daniel, in the following words: "at first the dog looks dull, 
shows an aversion to his food and company, does not bark as usual, 
but seems to murmur; is peevish and apt to bite strangers; his ears 
and tail drop more than usual, and he appears drowsy ; afterwards he 
begins to loll out his tongue and froth at the mouth, his eyes seeming 
heavy and watery ; if not confined, he soon goes off, runs panting 
along with a dejected air, and endeavors to bite an) r one he meets." 
As persons are continually alarmed at the approach of every strange 
dog, the following observations, founded on experience, may be of 
service in knowing what dogs to avoid : I have seen many mad dogs., 
but never knew one in that state to curl its tail. This is a certain 
indication of not being mad. If you see a dog dirty at the mouth, 
coming at a trot, with his head high, and a drooping tail, avoid him 
as you would a viper. Or if you see one sitting sickly and dirty at 
the mouth, avoid him, though it is not likely that he will snap at you 
in that period of the disease. I never met a mad dog, on being pur- 
sued, (if his pursuers were not in actual reach to stone him, &c.,) to 
exhibit any signs of fear. He generally goes, if not impeded, in a 
straight line against the wind, at a brisk trot, wholly unconcerned at 
the shouts of the multitude pursuing him, and never squats his tail. 
I never knew a dog that was not mad, on being pursued and shouted 
after by a number of people, not to exhibit every symptom of terror; 
squatting his tail, turning his head and scampering in every direction. 
If a mad dog escapes being killed, he seldom runs above two or three 
days, when he dies, exhausted with heat, hunger, and disease. As 
this is a subject of no slight importance, we shall stand excused for 
introducing the criteria as described by Blaine, whose account of the 
disease founded on long experience and attentive observation, is calcu- 
lated to remove many unfounded and dangerous prejudices relative to it. 
He describes it as commencing sometimes by dullness, stupidity and 
retreat from observation; but more frequently, particularly in those 
dogs that are immediately domesticated around us, by some alteration 
in their natural habits; as a disposition to pick up and swallow every 
minute object on the ground; or to lick the parts of another dog in- 
cessantly; or to lap his own urine, &c. About the second or third 
day, the disease usually resolves itself into one of two types. The 
one is called raging and the other dumb madness. These distinctions 
are not however always clear; and to which is owing so much of 
discrepancy in the accounts given by different persons of the disease, 

The raging madness, by its term, has led to an erroneous conclu- 
sion, that it is accompanied with violence and fury, which however, 
is seldom the case: such dogs are irritable and snappish, and will 
commonly fly at a stick held to them, and are impatient of restraint ; 
but they are seldom violent except when irritated or worried. On 



382 

the contrary, till the last moment they will often acknowledge the 
voice of their master, and yield some obedience to it. Neither will 
they usually turn out of their way to bite human beings, but they have 
an instinctive disposition to do it to dogs, and in a minor degree to 
other animals also; but as before observed, seldom attack mankind 
without provocation. 

Dumb madness is so called, because there is seldom any barking 
heard, but more particularly, because the jaws drop paralytic, and the 
tongue lolls out of the mouth, black, and apparently strangulated : a 
strong general character of the disease, is the disposition to scratch 
their bed towards their belly; and equally so is the general tendency 
to eat trash, as hay, straw, wood, coals, dirt, &c, and it should be 
remembered, that this is so very common and so invariable, that the 
finding these matters in the stomach after death, should always render 
a suspicion formed of the existence of the disease, confirmed into 
certainty. Blaine is also at great pains to disprove the notion gener- 
ally entertained that rabid dogs are averse to water ; and neither drink 
or come near it. This error, he contends, has led to most dangerous 
results, and is so far from true, that mad dogs, from their heat and 
fever, are solicitous for water, and lap it eagerly. When the dumb 
kind exists in its full force, dogs cannot swallow what they attempt 
to lap ; but still they will plunge their heads in it, and appear to feel 
relief by it : but in no instance, out of many hundreds, did he ever 
discover the smallest aversion to it. He lays very great stress on the 
noise made by rabid dogs, which he says is neither a bark nor a howl, 
but a tone compounded of both. It has been said by some that this 
disorder is occasioned by heat or bad food, and by others, that it 
never arises from any other cause but the bite. Accordingly this 
malady is rare in the northern parts of Turkey, more rare in the 
southern parts of that empire, and totally unknown under the burn- 
ing sky of Egypt. At Aleppo, where these animals perish in great 
numbers for want of water and food, and by the heat of the climate, 
this disorder was never known. In other parts of Africa, and in the 
hottest zone in America, dogs are never attacked with madness. — 
Blaine knows of no instance of the complaint being cured, although 
he has tried to their fullest extent, the popular remedies of profuse 
bleedings, strong mercurial and arsenical doses, vinegar, partial drown- 
ing, night shade, water plantain, &c. ; he therefore recommends the 
attention to be principally directed towards the prevention of the 
malady. 

The preventive treatment of rabies or madness, is according to 
Blaine, always an easy process in the human subject, from the im- 
mediate part bitten, being easily detected; in which case the removal 
of the part by excision or cautery, is an effectual remedy. But un- 
fortunate for the agriculturist, it is not easy to detect the bitten parts 
in cattle, nor in dogs; and it would be therefore most desirable if a 
certain internal preventive were generally known. Dr. Mead's pow- 
der, the Ormskirk powder, sea bathing, and many other nostrums,, 
are deservedly in disrepute — while a few country remedies, but little 
known beyond their immediate precincts, have maintained some char- 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 383 

acter. Conceiving that these must all possess some ingredient in 
common, he was at pains to discover it: and which he appears t@ 
have realized, by obtaining, among others, the compositions of Webb's 
Waterford drink. In this mixture, which is detailed below, he con- 
siders the active ingredient to be the buxus or box, which has been 
known as a prophylactic as long as the times of Hippocrates and Cel- 
sus, who both mention it. The recipe detailed below has been ad- 
ministered to nearly three hundred animals of different kinds, as 
horses, cows, sheep, swine and dogs: and appears to have succeeded 
in nineteen out of every twenty eases where it was fairly taken and 
kept on the stomach. It appears also equally efficacious in the 
human subject; in which case he advises the extirpation of the bitten 
parts also. The box preventive is thus directed to be prepared : — 
Take of the fresh leaves of the tree-box, two ounces; of the fresh 
leaves of rue, two ounces ; of sage, half an ounce ; chop these fine, 
and boil in a pint of water to half a pint; strain carefully, and press 
out the liquor very firmly; put back the ingredients into a pint of 
milk, and boil again to half a pint; strain as before; mix both liquors, 
which forms three doses for a human subject. Double this quantity 
is proper for a horse or cow. Two-thirds of the quantity is suffi- 
cient for a large dog; half for a middling sized, and one-third for a 
small dog. Three doses are sufficient, giving each subsequent morn- 
ing fasting; the quantity directed being that which forms these three 
doses. As it sometimes produces strong effects on dogs, it may be 
proper to begin with a small dose; but in the case of dogs we hold 
it always prudent to increase the dose till the effects are evident, by 
the sickness, panting, and uneasiness of the dog. In the human sub- 
ject, where this remedy appears equally efficacious, we have never 
witnessed any unpleasant or active effects, neither are such observed 
in cattle of any kind. About forty human persons have taken this 
remedy., and in every instance it has succeeded equally as with ani- 
mals : but candor obliges us to notice that in a considerable proportion. 
of these, other means were used, as the actual or potential cautery: 
but in all the animals other means were purposely omitted. That 
this remedy therefore has a preventive quality, is unquestionable, 
and now perfectly established ; for there was not the smallest doubt 
of the animals mentioned either having been bitten, or of the dog 
being mad who bit them, as great pains were in every instance taken 
to ascertain these points. 

To prevent canine madness.* — Pliny recommends worming of 
dogs; and from his time to the present it has had, most deservedly, 
says Daniel, its advocates. He tells us that he had various opportu- 
nities of proving the usefulness of this practice, and recommends its 
general introduction. The fact, however is, that taking out the worm 
has nothing to do with annihilating the disorder, although it will most 
certainly hinder the dog seized with it from doing any hurt to man or 
beast. A late author asserts, he had three dogs that were wormed, 
bit by mad dogs at three several periods, yet notwithstanding they all 

* See Addenda, to division V. 



384 the farmer's complete farrier. 

died mad — they did not bite, nor do any mischief, that being deter- 
mined to make a full experiment, he shut one of the mad dogs up in 
a kennel, and put to him a dog he did not value — the mad dog often 
run at the other to bite him, but his tongue was so swelled that he 
could not make his teeth meet; the dog was kept in the kennel until 
the mad one died, and was purposely preserved for two years after- 
wards, to note the effect, but he never ailed anything, although no 
remedies were applied to check an infection that might have been re- 
ceived from the contact of the dog. The writer has had various 
opportunities of proving the usefulness of worming, and inserts three 
of the most striking instances, under the hope of inducing its general 
practice, A terrier bitch went mad, that was kept in a kennel with 
forty couple of hounds ; not a single hound was bitten, nor was she 
seen to offer to bite. The bitch being of a peculiar sort, every at- 
tention was paid to have the gradations of the disease (which were 
extremely rapid,) minutely noted; the hydrophobia was fast approach- 
ing before she was separated from the hounds, and she died the se- 
cond day after; at first warm milk was placed before her, which she 
attempted to lap, but the throat refused its functions; from this period- 
she never tried to eat or drink, seldom rose up, or even moved, the 
tongue swelled very much, and long before her death the jaws were 
distended by it. A spaniel was observed to be seized by a strange 
dog, and was bit in the lip; the servant who ran up to part them, 
narrowly escaped, as the dog twice flew at him ; a few minutes after 
the dog had quitted the yard, the people who had pursued, gave notice 
of the dog's madness, who had made terrible havoc in a course of ten 
miles from whence he had set off. The spaniel was a great favorite.,, 
bad medicine applied, and every precaution taken ; upon the four- 
teenth day he appeared to loath his food, and his eyes looked unusu- 
ally heavy: the day following he endeavored to lap milk, but could 
swallow none; from that time the tongue began to swell: he moved 
but seldom, and on the third day he died. .For many hours previous, 
to his death, the tongue was so enlarged that the fangs or canine teeth 
could not meet each other by upwards of an inch. The hounds were 
some years after parted with, and were sold in lots : a madness broke 
out in the kennel of the gentleman who purchased many of them,, 
and although several of these hounds were bitten and went mad, only 
one of them ever attempted to bite, and that was a hound from the 
Duke of Portland's, who in the operation of worming, had the worm 
broke by his struggling, and was so troublesome that one-half of it 
was suffered to remain ; the others all died with symptoms similar to- 
the terrier and spaniel, viz : a violent swelling of the tongue, and a 
stupor rendering them nearly motionless, and both which symptoms 
seemed to increase with the disease. The idea that worming prevents 
a dog from receiving the infection when bitten, should be exploded ;. 
but the foregoing show how far it may be recommended for the re- 
striction of a malady horrid in its effects, where a human being is 
concerned, and which, to the sportsman and farmer, are attended with 
such dangerous and expensive consequences. Blaine, on the con- 
trary, asserts that the practice of worming, is wholly useless and 



385 

founded in error; and that the existence of anything like a worm 
under the tongue is incontestibly proved to be false ; and that what 
has been taken for it, is merely a deep ligature of the skin, placed 
there to restrain the tongue in its motions. He also observes, that 
the pendulous state of the tongue, in what is called dumb madness, 
with the existence of a partial paralysis of the under jaw, which they 
could not bite, having happened to dogs previously wormed, has 
made the inability to be attributed to this source, but which is wholly 
an accidental circumstance; and happens equally to the wormed and 
unwormed dog. 

The worming of whelps is performed with a lancet, to slit the 
thin skin which immediately covers the worm; a small awl is then 
to be introduced under the centre of the worm to raise it up ; the 
farther end of the worm will with very little force make its appear- 
ance, and with a cloth taking hold of that end, the other will be drawn 
out easily; care should be taken that the whole of the worm comes 
away without breaking, and it rarely breaks unless cut into by the 
lancet, or wounded by the awl. 

Mange. — This is a very frequent disease in dogs, and is an affec- 
tion of the skin, either caught by contagion, or generated by the ani- 
mal. The scabby mange breaks out in blotches along the back and 
neck, and is common to Newfoundland dogs, terriers, pointers, and 
spaniels, and is the most contagious. The cure should be begun by 
removing the first exciting cause, if removable, such as filth or po- 
verty ; or, as more general the contrary, (for both will equally pro- 
duce it,) too full living. Then an application should be made to the 
parts, consisting of sulphur and sal ammoniac : tar lime water will 
also assist. When there is much heat and itching, bleed and purge. 
Mercurials sometimes assist, but they should be used with caution; 
dogs do not bear them well. Or, fresh butter, free from salt, quarter 
of a pound ; red precipitate, one ounce ; Venice turpentine, one 
ounce: mix the whole well together, and put it into a pot for use; 
rub it on the parts affected morning and evening; keep your dog tied 
up, and keep him warm and dry for some days. 

Worms. — Dogs suffer very much from worms, which, as in most 
animals, so in them are of several kinds — but the effects produced 
are nearly similar. In dogs having the worms, the coat generally 
stares ; the appetite is ravenous though the animal frequently does 
not thrive; the breath smells, and the stools are singular, sometimes 
loose and slimy, and at others hard and dry ; but the most evil they 
produce is occasional fits, or sometimes a continued state of convul- 
sion, in which the animal lingers sometime and then dies; the fits 
they produce are sometimes of the violent kind ; at others they ex- 
hibit a more stupid character — the dog being senseless and going 
round continually. The cure consists, while in this state, in active 
purgatives joined with opium, and the warm bath; any rough sub- 
stance given internally, acts as a vermifuge to prevent the recurrence. 



386 the farmer's complete farrier. 



ADDENDA TO DIVISION V. 

Hydrophobia is a disease, which, when once having arrived at 
that pass as to show itself by the usual symptoms in the system, baf- 
fles equally the skill of the most learned physician, and the nostrums 
of the boldest empyric. But, fortunately, it is not so rapid in its 
progress, but that it may be arrested and entirely counteracted, if 
proper means are seasonably resorted to, duly administered and faith- 
fully persisted in. These means nature has provided, in the plant 
called the skull-cap, which grows almost every where in abundance 
in our country. 

It is not, however, species of the plant bearing this name, that will 
answer; but that particular one called in latin, Scutellaria lat {flora, 
or side bearing flower, and not that one called Scutellaria galericulata, 
or helmet shaped. The former of these is efficacious in preventing 
this incurable disease ; the latter is not. A mistake in taking one for 
the other, has sometimes produced fatal effects, at the eastward. 

Of the superior merits of this invaluable plant, in the bite of a mad 
dog, as evinced in particular instances, we have not room here to de- 
tail at large. Dr. Vandeveer left it on record, that in upwards of 
three hundred cases in which he seasonably administered it, the suc- 
cess was complete, without a failure. Lewis asserted, that he had 
met with like success in upwards of one hundred cases, of three or 
four of which, says a writer in the New York Evening Post, I was 
myself present, in the county of West Chester, an eye witness. 

Dr. Thatcher says : Should this plant ultimately prove a successful 
remedy for a disease so truly deplorable in its nature, and so destruc- 
tive in its consequences, no encomiums can surpass its merit, even if 
recorded in letters of gold. The following is his description of it: 

The Scutellaria is perennial, of which there are numerous species 
indigenous to the United States. The plant is found in great abun- 
dance on the banks and borders of ponds, flowering in July or Au- 
gust. The stem is square, branched, and attains the height of 
from one to three feet. The leaves are opposite, narrow pointed or 
narrow foot stalk. The racemes are axillary and lateral, bearing 
small violet colored blossoms, intermixed with small leaves. The 
calix is hooded or helmet forked, from whence originated the general 
name of skull-cap, or Scutellaria. 

This, however, is a description of the genera, not the species. — 
Those who use the skull-cap should get the right species. 

To prepare and administer this remedy, the following will serve 
as a formula. Dr. Vandeveer and Lewis followed this. 

The leaves should be gathered when in flower, in July or August, 
carefully dried, and reduced to a fine powder, and put into bottles well 
corked for use. When a person has received a bite by a mad dog, 
he must take a strong infusion of the leaves or powder, a gill four 
times a day, every other day. 

The day it is omitted, he must take a spoonful of the flour of sul- 
phur in the morning, fasting, and at bed time, in new milk, and 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 387 

apply the powdered green herb to the wound every two hours, con- 
tinuing the prescription for three weeks. For cattle or horses, three 
times the quantity of each. For dogs, at least twice the quantity. 

The distinguished and benevolent Robert Bowne says: My confi- 
dence in the virtue of this herb is so great, that if bitten myself, I 
would trust my life to it, rather than to the skill of all the physicians 
in the city of New York. 

The following recipe, to cure canine madness, has been sold in 
various parts of the United States, for five dollars. With a view to 
place it within the reach of as many as possible, we give it a place. 
The translation is not our own, and we believe it is sufficiently plain 
to be understood ; hence, we feel no desire to make any corrections 
as to style, and syntactical position of words and sentences. 

DOCTOR WILLIAM STOY'S 

Infallible cure for the bite of a mad dog. — Directions how to use 

the drink. 

The drink must be warmed in a clean vessel. If it is to be given to 
more than one person, at the same time, the drink must be well stir- 
red each time it is apportioned ; so that the one may not get more of 
the strength, and a greater quantity, than the other. When any per- 
son is already affected with the malady, and cannot, without assist- 
ance, take the medicine, then those who give it them, must hold a 
handkerchief to their nose and mouth, in order that they may not 
inhale the breath of the patient. The drink must be taken in the 
morning, on an empty stomach, and the patient must fast for a few 
hours afterwards, and, if possible, abstain from fresh water; which 
might cause instant death, if taken immediately after the medicine. 
In case of necessity, you may give the patient, after having taken the 
medicine, a little wine, or wine and water ; but not immediately after 
taking the medicine. On the day when the medicine is used, you 
must not drink any warm beer or milk. A pancake baked in butter, 
may be eaten for dinner. The clothes, which the person had on when 
bitten, must either be put away altogether, or buried for some time, 
or washed. Where there are wounds, they must be cleansed with 
an oak chip, and rinsed a few days in succession, several times a day, 
with a little of the drink, at a running stream if there be one conve- 
nient. For healing the wound, a little drawing salve will be sufficient. 
After using this drink, you must not eat any pork, nor any thing 
baked, or cooked with lard. Wild ducks, &c, and fish, must also 
be avoided. All herbs, or articles, which have the name of (Kappis- 
Kraut) cabbage, both pickled and sweet, small beans or peas must 
also be avoided for fourteen days, after taking the said drink. After 
taking the drink, moderate perspiring is very good ; but you must 
not overheat yourself, nor suffer your angry passions to be excited. 

The dose is as follows, viz : For one person, take one quart of 
strong beer and one ounce of henbit, (Huehnerdarm,) put the same 
into a clear earthen vessel, and boil it over a clear coal fire, until it is 



388 the farmer's complete farrier. 

diminished to one-half; after which take one ounce of treacle, (the' 
riacj and put the same therein, stirring it all the while ; and whilst 
boiling, strain it through a clean linen rag of the shirt of a man, into 
a clean tin dish, and let it stand until it is milk warm — after which, 
put it into a bottle, and give to the person bitten, in the following 
manner, viz : — If he has a strong constitution, give him the whole 
dose in three times, in three equal portions. Thus, every person 
must take this medicine according to the strength of his constitution. 
If he is of mature age, and yet of a weak constitution, a gill in the 
morning will be sufficient; still, however, three mornings in success- 
ion. If a child of twelve years, then take but half an ounce of the 
red henbit (Huehnerdarm) and an half ounce of treacle, (theriac,) but 
still the same quantity of beer. And when the child is under twelve 
years of age, give him in proportion. If it be a cow or other animal, 
then give it the whole portion at one time ; but cattle must be kept four- 
teen days from water — nor dare they have dirty water— their drink may 
consist of water and rye bran; nor durst this be cooked in an unclean 
pot. The dose for cattle must be double as much as for a strong man. 



VI.— OF POULTRY. 

Under the term poultry are included several kinds of birds that are 
usually considered stock for farms. The rearing of these, either for 
family consumption or for market is practiced by almost every farmer ; 
whether profitably or not, depends in a great measure upon the man- 
ner of rearing them. That it may be made a profitable business, 
particularly in the vicinity of large cities, is abundantly proved by the 
prices obtained for poultry. When it is recollected that the amount 
of capital necessary to engage in this business to a very considerable 
extent, is but a trifle, and that the care and management of a large 
amount of poultry may be bestowed by the females, and children 
about a farm house, and that the returns for the sale of it are both 
speedy and certain, it is a matter of surprise that more attention has 
not been paid to this branch of farm stock. When a turkey will 
command as much money as a bushel of wheat, and a chicken is 
equal in value to one-half bushel of corn, as is very often the case, 
farmers will find it to their interest, to pay some attention to their 
poultry yards. 

The want of proper care, in rearing this stock, renders it less pro- 
fitable to those now engaged in it, than it otherwise would be. A 
few plain practical remarks upon this subject, may not therefore be 
amiss, before it is disposed of. 

In the rearing of dung-hill fowls, their yards should be selected 
with a reference to giving them a supply of sand and gravel. Their 
houses should be kept perfectly clean and constantly supplied with 
pure water. Their nests should be so situated as to prevent the 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 389 

hens when setting from seeing each other. Young hens are most 
profitable for eggs, old ones for hatching chickens ; the former lay a 
greater number of eggs, the latter set with more care and assiduity. 
One cock is sufficient for six or seven hens. The eggs placed under 
a hen when setting should not exceed one dozen in number, and care 
should be taken to select those which are fresh. Food should be 
placed near the nests that the setters may not be compelled to leave 
their nests for too long a period. The chickens when first hatched 
should be fed on boiled potatoes, and carefully protected from wet 
which is extremely prejudicial to them. The disease to which young 
chickens are most liable is the gapes, formerly supposed to arise from 
a small worm in the throat. The better opinion, however, is that it 
proceeds from inflammation, owing to exposure to cold and wet— 
The best mode of curing this disease, is, by protecting the chickens 
wholly from the wet, and feeding them on pungent heating food. — 
For this purpose, red pepper pods may be boiled with their food ; 
they should also have some pepper grass mixed with their green food. 
To fatten chickens, they should be confined in a well ventilated and 
somewhat darkened place. They should be fed four times a day, 
with steamed potatoes or buckwheat. They should have plenty of 
pure water, and a supply of sand and gravel. Their coops should 
be well aired and kept perfectly clean. Some animal food should 
also be occasionally given with the vegetable, experiments having 
long since proved that this kind of diet is very necessary to the suc- 
cessful rearing of nearly all kinds of poultry. 

In selecting a stock of geese, those of a large size should be taken. 
When they are about to set, their nests should be so arranged as not 
to permit the setters to see each other, nor should they be separated 
from the ganders of the flock. From ten to twelve eggs should be 
placed under each goose. There should be a constant supply of food 
kept near their nests, that they may not be driven to leave them for 
any length of time. The goslins should be kept in a warm sunny 
place, secured from rains and vermin, and fed with crumbs of bread, 
wheat, barley or oats. While young, they should not be permitted 
to run into water, as it is liable to engender disease. When put up 
to fatten, green food should be mixed with their oats. 

Turkeys. — The black breed of turkeys is, on many accounts, 
deemed preferable to the brown. Each turkey hen usually lays from 
eight to ten eggs. The young brood are extremely tender. For the 
first month or six weeks, they should be placed in a warm airy situa- 
tion, free from wet, and carefully fed with bread, steeped in fresh 
milk, with which chopped onions may be occasionally mixed with 
advantage. After that period their food may be changed to meal; 
buckwheat and other kinds of grain may be given. Some writers 
upon this subject recommend that young turkeys should be fed upon 
the following preparation : Two eggs boiled hard and cut up fine, a 
handful of young mustard also cut up fine, and a small quantity of 
ground pepper, mixed with scalded Indian meal sufficient for one 



390 THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 

hundred young turkeys. This preparation is deemed salutary in 
preventing those diseases to which they are liable. With due care 
one male and eight females are sufficient to rear from fifty to seventy 
turkeys. 

Ducks.— -These animals thrive best with plenty of water, near a 
barn yard, and if thus situated they require but little care. Their 
food may be much the same as that given to chickens. They require 
a constant supply of water and sand. They also require a supply of 
animal food. If suffered to run at large upon a farm they are useful 
in destroying worms, slugs and caterpillars. The ducks lay a great 
many eggs and may be easily fattened. 

Raising Ducks.— Being aquatic in their habits, most persons sup- 
pose they ought to give the young ones a great deal of water. The 
consequence is, they soon take colds, become droopy, and die. This 
mode should be avoided. Ducks, when first hatched, are always 
inclined to fever, from their pinion-wings coming out so soon. This 
acts upon them as teething does on children. The young ducks 
should, consequently, be kept from every thing which may have a 
tendency to create cold in them. To prevent this, therefore, I always 
allow my young ducks as little water as possible. In fact, they 
should only have enough to allay their thirst, and should on no ac- 
count be permitted to play in the water. If the person lives near the 
city, liver and lights should be boiled, and chopped up fine, and given 
to the young ducks. Or, if fish, crabs, oysters, or clams can be pro- 
cured, they should be given. In case none of these can be got, all 
the victuals should be boiled before feeding. Boiled potatoes mixed 
withhommony, are also excellent. Half of the ducks which are lost, 
are because raw food is given them. To sum up all in a word — if 
you wish to raise almost every duck that is hatched, give them little 
water, and feed them on no food which is not boiled. By observing 
this plan, I raise for market, and for my own table, between two and 
three hundred ducks every year. — Southern Agr. 

Raising of poultry. — 1. All young chickens, ducks, and turkeys, 
should be kept under cover, out of the weather during rainy seasons. 

2. Twice or thrice a week, pepper, shallots, shives, or garlic, should 
be mixed up with their food. 

3. A small lump of asafetida should be placed in the pan in which 
their water is given them to drink, 

4. Whenever they manifest disease, by the dropping of the wings 
or any other outward sign of ill-health, a little asafetida, broken into 
small lumps, should be mixed with their food. 

5. Chickens which are kept from the dung-hill while young, sel- 
dom have the gapes ; therefore, it should be the object of those who 
have the charge of them, so to confine the hens as to preclude their 
young from the range of barn or stable yards. 

6. Should any of the chickens have the gapes, mix up small por- 
tions of asafetida, rhubarb, and pepper, in fresh butter, and give each 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 391 

chicken as much of the mixture as will lie upon one-half the bowl of 
a small teaspoon. 

7. For the pip, the following treatment is judicious : take off the 
indurated covering on the point of the tongue, and give twice a day, 
for two or three days, a piece of garlic the size of a pea. If garlic 
cannot be obtained, onion, shallot or shives will answer; and if nei- 
ther of these be convenient, two grains of black pepper, to be given 
in fresh butter, will answer. 

8. For the snuffles, the same remedies as the gapes will be found 
highly curative — but in addition to them, it will be necessary to melt 
a little asafetida in fresh butter, and rub the chicken about the nostrils, 
taking care to clean them out. 3 

9. Grown up ducks are sometimes taken off rapidly by convul- 
sions. In such cases, four grains of rhubarb and four grains of 
Cayenne* pepper, mixed in fresh butter, should be administered. 

Baltimore Farmer and Gardner. 

Cure of dropsy in the crops of young turkeys. — This kind of 
dropsy is announced by a dull look, paleness of the head, loss of 
appetite and aversion to food. They allow themselves to be taken 
with ease, and seem to be without strength. Very soon a slight 
swelling of the crop is added to these symptoms, which, in ten days, 
becomes very considerable. I have taken nearly a pint of water 
from one. By pressing on the crop of some of them, a certain 
quantity of matter is discharged by the bill, but never enough to en- 
tirely ease the crop. All these symptoms increase and the fowl dies 
at the end of fifteen or eighteen day's illness. 

I sought after the cause of this disorder, and it was easy to find 
that it was occasioned by the stagnant water which these animals 
drank ; in the course of the year, the heat had been great, and there 
was little rain. The heat had hatched a vast swarm of small red 
worms, resembling ascarides. It is quite certain that these insects 
must have been swallowed by the turkeys, and from this cause, and 
the bad quality of the water which they had drunk, a great degree of 
inflammation in the crop would ensue, with a stoppage which con- 
ducts to the gizzard. I divided the turkeys into three classes; for 
those who were still sound, I ordered grain and good water; with all 
that were diseased I practiced the operation of tapping with a lancet, 
in the lowest part of the crop. I injected at the opening, by means 
of a small syringe, a slight decoction of Jesuits' bark, mixed with a 
little brandy, which was repeated twice in the course of the day. — 
Next day the wound was better marked. I made again the same in- 
jection, and, two hours after, I forced them to eat a little of the yolk 
of an egg^ mixed with some crumbs of bread. At the end of three 
days, the wound in the crop was closed, which I might have prevented, 
but finding a natural opening in the bill, I made them take, during eight 
days, in their drink, the same substances which had been injected; 
and they were, by degrees, put upon their usual diet. I need not 
add, that clear water was given them instead of that of the standing 
pools. Ten of these animals had died before my arrival ; two perished 



392 

during the treatment, and the rest of the flock, which might be about 
forty, either escaped the disease or were cured. — Farmer's Receipt 
Book. 

[ From the Farmer's Cabinet.] 

Raise more poultry. — * * * * * I was pleased 
with the suggestion made by your correspondent Q., in the last 
number of the Cabinet, for feeding poultry with boiled potatoes, inas- 
much as it is a cheap food, and may be always at hand. A farmer 
near Liverpool, England, keeps a large stock of poultry of various 
kinds in the same enclosure, with singular success. He has nearly 
an acre of land enclosed, with a close fence, about seven feet high. 
Within this enclosure are put up sheds for the different kinds of 
poultry, to secure them well from the rain, which is of great impor- 
tance. There is a small stream of water which passes through the 
lot, to which they all have access, and they are regularly fed, three 
times a day, with boiled potatoes, which is their only food, excepting 
what grass, insects and worms, they pick up in their movements 
through the lot. 

All young poultry require to be kept dry, and most old ones are the 
better for it, and it is said that young turkeys, during their tender age, 
are the better for having a small quantity of red pepper occasionally 
mixed with their food, to stimulate their digestive organs to greater 
activity when they gormandize too much. 

The practice of cutting up chives, garlic or onion tops, and mixing 
them occasionally with the food of young poultry, is well known to 
most good house-wives, and is thought to be very serviceable in pro- 
moting their health. K. 

Pequea, Lancaster county, June 25th, 1838. 

To fatten poultry.— An experiment has lately been tried of feed- 
ing geese with turneps cut in small pieces like dice, but less in size, 
and put into a trough of water ; with this food alone, the effect was 
that six geese, each, when lean, weighing only nine pounds, actually 
gained twenty pounds each, in about nine Aveek's fattening. 

McKenzie, 

Don't give your chickens salt.— A correspondent says in a letter: 
" The fatal effects of mixing salt, in any considerable quantities, with 
food intended for chickens, or which they can eat, received a singu- 
lar illustration on the farm of a friend a few days since. As an in- 
ducement to his horse to eat a handful or two of salt, he mixed it 
with a quart or two of meal, and fed it to the animal. The horse 
refused the mixture, and it was left where it was soon found by the 
chickens, which, to the number of forty -five or fifty, soon caused its 
disappearance. Within twenty-four hours, every one that eat of 
the meal died, and the greater part did not live half that time. There 
is an old saying among poulterers, that 'salt is health to a gosling, 
but death to a chicken,' and the foregoing result would seem to prove 
that, like other old saws, it contains some truth." — Gen. Farmer. 



ADDENDA. 



List of the principal medicines and drugs used in the treatment of 
diseases, ivith a brief description of the most important ones* 



Aloes — Moe, Ger.« — There are two kinds used in the practice of 
farriery ; the Hepatic aloes and the Socotorine aloes, Both are the 
products of a perennial plant, which grows in the south of Europe, 
Asia, Africa and America. The Socotorine is the purest, and is pre- 
ferred as human medicine. That obtained from Barbadoes, is pre- 
ferred for horses. 

They should be finely powdered. Fifteen ounces, mixed with 
one of powdered ginger, and beaten up with eight ounces of palm 
oil, and afterwards divided into proper doses, forms a purgative more 
effectual, and less liable to gripe than any other preparation of this 
drug. It should be given in the shape of a ball. 

A physic dose should not be kept more than two months ; after 
that time the purgative qualities will be materially impaired. 

In physicking a horse, whatever is to be done should be done at 
once. Whatever quantity is intended to be given, should be given 
in one dose. 

The system of giving small doses of aloes as alteratives is not 
good. It is never safe to ride a horse far or fast, with even a small 
dose of aloes within him. 

Most of all objectionable is the custom of giving small doses of 
aloes as a nauseant, in inflammation of the lungs. It is treading on 
very dangerous ground, when, with much inflammation of the lungs, 
that is given which will stimulate and may inflame the intestines. 

Aloes are most commonly, because most easily, administered in the 
form of a ball, but in a state of solution their effect is more speedy, 
effectual, and safe. Two ounces of aloes, and one ounce of gum, (to 
suspend the imperfectly dissolved portion of the aloes,) are put into 
a pint of boiling water, and the mixture frequently stirred. When it 
is cold, two ounces of tincture is added, as an aromatic, to prevent 
the griping of the aloes, and also to keep the mixture from ferment* 
ing. The aloes must not be boiled in the water. The dose of the 
solution should vary from six to eight ounces. 

Acetated Litharge. — See Litharge. 

Aleppo Scammony — Purgirwinde, Ger. — This is a concrete, 
gummy, resinous juice, obtained from the roots of the Syrian bind- 
26 



394 the farmer's complete farrier. 

-freed, called convolvulus scammonia, an exotic plant growing in 
Asiatic Turkey. The best is from Aleppo, in light spongy, friable 
masses, of a shining blackish ash color. It consists of nearly equal 
proportions of gum and resin. 

In its medicinal effects, it is a powerful purgative, and chiefly used 
in obstinate constipation. In using, follow the formula in which it 
is prescribed. 

Botanists say that the scammony plant has been found in Sussex 
eounty* New Jersey. '■ •;.-? ■ 

Adderwort— -Natterwurz, Ger. — Is well known, has but one leat 
which grows with the stalk, a finger's length above the ground— green 
and broad, like water plantain. 

Alum— Maun> Ger,— This is a salt composed chiefly of argilla- 
ceous earth and sulphuric acid. From its astringent powers, m the 
form of alum whey, it has been used internally in cases of super- 
purgation. The whey is prepared by adding two drams of powdered 
alum to a pint of hot milk. 

A solution of two drams to a pint of water, forms a useful wash 
for cracked heels, &e. 

Agaric — Feuerscliwamm, Ger. — Is one of the genus of funguses, 
and is used in several instances, combined with other drugs : see the 
formula in which it is recommended, No. 2, p. 71. 

Acacia — Schotendorn, Ger. — Acacia is the bark of the Willdenow, 
a tree growing in the sandy deserts of Arabia Petraea and Egypt. 
The gum of this tree is called Gum Arabic. The extract of the 
bark is used in connection with aloes, &c, as a liquid purge, p. 71. 

Allspice — Nelkenpfeff'er, Ger. — Is well known ; description un- 
necessary. 

Aniseed — Jlnissame, Ger. — The anise is an annual umbelliferous 
plant, growing naturally in Crete, Syria, and other places of the east* 
It possesses carminative properties, and is recommended, in combi- 
nation with other ingredients, as a purgative. — See page 71, No/1. 

Ammonia — Salmiak, Ger. — This is an alkali; when in a gas, it is 
found in a state of nature, and is, to the annoyance of the horse, and 
the injury of his eyes and lungs, plentifully emitted by the urine and 
putrifying dung of the badly constructed stable. — See page 48. 

In flatulent colic, it has been used with decided benefit, when all 
other remedies have failed. It is best administered in the form of 
aromatic spirit of ammonia, and in doses of one or two ounces, in 
warm water. 

Antimony — ■ Spies sglas, Ger. — This metal is found in nature,, 
most abundantly combined with sulphur. There are several valuable 
preparations of this metal. There is a compound of sulphur and 
antimony, technically called the black sulphuret of antimony. 

Tartar emetic — Brechweinstein, Ger. — This is another prepara- 
tion of antimony — it is the tartrate of potash and antimony, or a com- 
bination of super-tartrate of potash and oxide of antimony, and is a 
very useful nauseant, and has considerable effect on the skin. It is 
particularly valuable in inflammation of the lungs, and in every ca- 
tarrhal affection. It is given in doses of one dram, or one dram and 



^THE FARMERS COMPLETE FARRIER. %$% 

a-half, and combined with nitre and digitalis. It is also beneficial in 
the expulsion of worms. Here it must be given in doses of two 
drams, and with some mechanical vermifuge, as tin-filings, or ground 
glass, and administered on an empty stomach, and for several succes- 
sive days. Although it may sometimes fail to expel the worm, it 
materially improves the condition of the horse, and produces sleek- 
ness of the coat. 

Arsenic— Berggift, GiftmeM, Ger.— This is a sudden and violent 
mineral poison, combined in most metallic bodies, and especially 
in cobalt It is sometimes, in doses of from ten to twenty grains, 
daily given as a tonic; but its principal use is in curing ulcers, espe* 
cially fistulous ulcers— p. 113, As a 4onic it should be dispensed 
with — See p. 152. 

Asarabacca — Hasselwurzel, Ger. — This is a perennial plant, 
the product of England, although the dried roots are generally brought 
from the Levant. It is a powerful evacuant. 

Agrimony, or Agrippa — Leberkletle, or Odermtnnig, Ger. — This 
plant is a native of the United States-. The number of stamina from 
five to twelve. It has long leaves, some greater, and some smaller, 
set upon a stalk, all of them dentated about the edges; green above 
and greyish underneath, and a little hairy withal — yellow blossoms, 
one above another, in long spikes. It grows upon banks and along 
fences. It flowers in July and August 

The leaves are aperient, detergent in their properties, and also 
strengthen the tone of, the viscera. They are very serviceable in 
laxity of the intestines, scorbutic, and other disorders arising from 
debility. 

Asafetida — Teufefsdreck, or Slinkender Jlsand, Ger. — The plant 
which furnishes this drug is a native of Persia. The gum-resin is 
procured from the roots of the plants which are at least four years 
old. — See p. 43, where it is fully described. 

Bayberries — Lorbeeren, Ger.— The bayberry grows in every kind 
of soil, and varies in size from two to seven feet in height. In autumn 
the twigs are surrounded with bunches of small grayish berries, which 
are covered with wax, which is obtained by boiling them in water, 
until the wax separates and floats upon the surface. The bark, -as 
well as the berries, possesses medicinal virtues. The juice of the 
berries purges the sharp humors of the stomach and bowels ; corrects 
and strengthens the digestive powers, and improves the appetite. 

Betony — JZhrenpreis, Ger. — There are two kinds of betony, 
which are not much unlike in their medical properties. The water- 
betony, rises up with square, hard, greenish stalks, sometimes brown, 
set with broad, dark green leaves, dentated about the edges with 
notches, somewhat resembling the leaves of the wood-betony, but 
much larger; two are usually set at a joint. It grows by the side of 
ditches, and water courses. It flowers in July, and seed is ripe in 
August. It is very useful in ulcers and bruises. 

Bennet — Benedickdenkraut, Ger.' — Bennet or avens, grows by 
fences, and borders of fields ; the blossoms are white or yellowish 
in July. The root is an excellent remedy in chronic disorders, as a 



general strengthener and astringent, and its antiseptic power is said 
to be superior to the best Peruvian bark. 

Birthwort. — Hohlwurz, Ger.— Early in the spring, this plant 
sends up a stalk eight or ten inches high, with three large smooth 
green leaves near the top, and a white flower of three leaves about 
an inch above the other leaves. From the centre of the blossoms 
there grow white buds, with six sides or ridges containing seed. 
The root is soft, and is covered with little knobs and fibres. It com- 
monly grows in beech and maple land. 

Bittersweet. — Mpranken or Bitter sues, Ger. — This plant 
grows wild in moist hedges ; has woody brittle stalks, and climbs on 
trees. But if there be no bushes near, it creeps along the ground, 
and frequently strikes new roots. It flowers in the month of June 
and July. It is said to occasion considerable evacuation by sweat, 
urine, and particularly by stool. It acts also as a discutient and resol- 
vent. 

Bitter apple — Colo quint enapf el, Ger.— -This article is the pro- 
duce of Syria and the island of Crete. It is a drastic purgative. 
Combinations of it with jalap, or aloes, and some other ingredients r 
have been given with good effect in obstinate constipation. 

Blistering. — See p. 214, Sect. 267. 

Bole ammoniac, or Armenian — Aminischer Bolus, Ger.— This is 
an argillaceous earth combined with iron, and is supposed to possess 
some astringent property. 

Buck's horn, or buck's thorn — Kreuzdorn, Ger. — There are two 
varieties; the high and the low. It puts forth several slender, trail- 
ing stalks, from one to three feet in length, from a little turfy protu- 
berance ; it has long narrow leaves, deeply indented around the edges. 
It usually grows in swamps, and in other wet places. It is service- 
able where great debility prevails. 

Burdock — Klette, Ger. — This is a very common plant, sufficiently 
known from its burs, which adhere to the intruder's clothes. The 
roots are aperient, diuretic and sudorific. 

Balsam copaiva.— This balsam is the product of the Spanish 
West Indies, and some parts of South America, 

Calamine. — See Zinc. 

Calomel. — See Mercury. 

Camphor — Kampfer, Ger. — The camphor laurel grows in great 
abundance, and to a very considerable size, in the forests of Japan. 

It is a stimulant, when applied externally. In the form of cam- 
phorated oil, it promotes the absorption of fluids thrown out beneath 
the skin, the removal of old callus, and the suppleing of joints stiff 
from labor. 

Cantharides — Spanischen Fliezen, Ger. — These are the basis of 
the most approved and useful veterinary blisters. The cantharis is a 
fly, the native of Italy and the south of France, destroyed by sulphur, 
dried and powdered and mixed with palm oil and resin, in propor- 
tions already directed. — See Blistering, p. 214. 

Caraways — Kuemel, Ger. — These and ginger are retained as the 
only cordials requisite for the horse. 



397 

Castor oil — Ricinuscel, Ger. — If it is a purgative in the horse, 
it must be given in the enormous and expensive doses of a pound or 
a pound and a-haif. — See p. 66. 

Catechu — Schotendornsaft, Ger.- — Japan earth, yet no earth, but 
extracted from the wood of one of the acacia trees, is a very useful 
astringent. It is given in superpurgation, in doses of one or two 
drams, with one or one and a-half dram of opium, as a yet more pow- 
erful astringent; four drams of chalk, to neutralize any acid in the 
stomach or bowels, and two drams of powdered gum being also added, 
to sheathe the over-irritated mucous coat of the intestines. 

Caustics— JEtzmettel, Ger.— These are sometimes necessary to 
destroy fungous excrescences, or stimulate indolent ulcers, or remove 
portions of cellular substance or muscle infected by any poison. 
They are the butyr of antimony, blue vitriol, verdigris, corrosive sub- 
limate, lunar caustic, and sulphuric acid. 

Chalk — Kreite, Ger. — Is used only in combination with catechu, 
for superpurgation, and in the proportions directed under the article 
catechu. The prepared or levigated chalk is generally preferred. 

Camomile — Kaynille, Ger. — The powder of the flower is a use- 
ful vegetable tonic and the mildest in our list. It is given in doses of 
one or two drams, and is exhibited in the early stage of convales- 
cence to ascertain whether the febrile stage of the disease is passed, 
and to prepare the way for a more powerful tonic, the gentian. 

Charcoal — Holtzkohle, Ger. — Is a useful antiseptic, and, mixed 
with a poultice, readily removes the fetid smell of unhealthy ulcers, or 
tracked heels. 

Cascarilla — Cascarilrinde, Ger. — This bark is from the Bahama 
Islands, particularly from the one named Elutheria. The virtues of 
it are partially extracted by water, and wholly by alcohol, though it 
is more efficacious by giving it in powder. It is an admirable sub- 
stitute for cinchona. It is often given with desired effect in flatulent 
and spasmodic colics and diarrheas.— No. 7. p. 73. 

Celandine. — Schellkraut, Ger. — This plant is so well known 
that no description is necessary. 

It is useful in obstructions of the liver and gall ; cures the yellows; 
the juice dropped into the eyes, clears from fdms, and cloudiness. 
Applied to ulcers, it soon stays all pus, and cleanses them. 

Castorium — Beibergeil, Ger. — This is the name of a substance 
collected in the follicles, near the anus, in the beaver called castor. 
It is an excellent anti-spasmodic, and acts particularly on the uterine 
system. 

Carline thistle — Eberwurz, Ger.— A plant which grows in Eu- 
rope and this country. For its medicinal properties, the formula in 
which it is given in this work, will explain. 

Centaury — Tausendgueldenkraut, Ger. — This plant flourishes 
in many sections of the United States, and affords a pure bitter, with 
slight aromatic flavor. It is usually given in a strong infusion, of 
which copious draughts are to be administered. It opens the obstruc- 
tion of liver and gall ; helps yellows ; eases pains. 



398 THE FARMER^ COMPLETE FARRIETt. 

Calamus — KalmuswurzelyGev.— -The calamus or sweetflag grows? 
in marshy places; 

Its medicinal properties are carminative, and it also possesses sto- 
machic virtues, and is given in flatulency. 

Colt's foot — Huflattig, Ger.- — This grows wild in moist places,, 
and produces yellow flowers in March and April. In cough and 
tisic, and in disorders of the breast and lungs, it is given with good' 
effect. 

Cress-seed — Kressesaamen, Ger. — The black cress, not much- 
unlike wild mustard, has long leaves and jagged on both sides. The 
stalks are small, limber and tough. It grows usually among stones 
and rubbish. Its medical properties nearly the same as mustard seed, 

Carduus Benedicttjs — Blessed thistle.- — It is so well known ? 
that a description is not necessary. It grows plentifully in gardens. 
It helps the plague, sores, boils, and itch, the bitings of mad dogs and 
venomous beasts— provokes urine. 

Cinnamon — Zimmt or Canehl, Ger.- — The bark is from a tree, a 
native of Ceylon, but is now cultivated in Jamaica and other West 
India islands. 

The oil is a most powerful stimulant, and is used in human prac- 
tice as a cordial in stomach, cramp. But it is principally used as an 
aromatic. 

Cleavers, or goosegrass. — Klebelkraut, Ger. — This plant has 
many names. It is called arapine, and gooseshare. The common 
cleavers have very rough, square stalks, rising up to six or ten feet 
high, if it meet with any thing whereon to climb, or else lying on the 
ground, full of joints, and at every one of them shoots forth a branch; 
the leaves are usually six, set in a round compass like a star, with 
white flowers. 

Its juice is very good to close up fresh wounds, and the powder: 
of the dried herb. It stays scouring in horses and cattle. Boiled in 
liog's lard, it reduces all kinds of hard swellings, or kernels in the 
throat. Given internally, it cleanses the blood. 

Comfrey. — TVallwurz, Ger. — It is so well known that a descrip- 
tion of it is not necessary. 

Croton oil — Crotoncel, Ger. — See Croton Tiglii. 

Cinnabar of antimony — Zinnober, Ger. — This composition is 
a compound of purified quicksilver, five ounces ; and sublimated sul- 
phur,, one ounce. It is used in fumigations, and forms an ingredient 
in other medical preparations. 

Coriander — Koriander, Ger. — This plant is well known. Like 
caraway, it is used as a carminative. 

Cloves — Gewuerznelken, Ger. — Cloves are the produce of a beau- 
tiful tall tree, a native of the Molucca islands. They are among the 
most stimulating aromatics. 

Cudweed or life-everlasting. — Rheinblumen, Ger. — This is 
readily known by its small white stalk, with small leaves, and small 
round white flowers, with innumerable little leaves growing in a 
whirl. It grows in dry, barren, and sandy places. 



the farmer's complete FARRIER. 399 

It is diuretic and strengthening ; a tea or strong decoction is good 
for strangury, gravel, &c. 

Charges are thick adhesive plasters spread over parts that have 
been strained or weakened, and, being applied to the skin warm, ad- 
here for a considerable time. The following mixture makes a good 
charge: Burgundy or common pitch, five ounces; tar, six ounces; 
yellow wax, one ounce, melted together, and when they are becoming 
cool, half a dram of powdered cantharides well stirred in. This must 
oe partially melted afresh when applied, and put on the part with a 
large spatula, as hot as it can be without giving the animal too much 
pain. Flocks of tow should be scattered over it while it is warm, and 
thus a thick and adhesive covering will be formed, which cannot be 
separated from the skin for many months. "This is applied for old 
sprains of the loins, and also strains of the back sinews. 

Colombo root. — The root is from Colombo, in the island of Cey- 
lon, the bark sides covered with bark, the woody side of a bright 
yellow color. 

Clysters — Klystier, Ger. — These aTe useful and too often neglect- 
ed means of hastening the evacuation of the bowels, when the disease 
requires their speedy action. The ox bladder and wooden pipe may 
still be employed. 

Two ounces of soft or yellow soap, dissolved in a gallon of warm 
water, will form a useful aperient clyster. For a more active aperi- 
ent, eight ounces of epsom salts, or even of common salt, may be 
dissolved in the same quantity of water: a more active injection, but 
not to be used if much purgative medicine has been previously given, 
may be composed of an ounce of Barbadoes aloes, dissolved in two or 
three quarts of warm water. If nothing else can be procured, warm 
water may be employed. 

The principal art of administering a clyster consists in not fright- 
ening the horse. The pipe, well oiled, should be very gently intro- 
duced, and the fluid not too hastily thrown up ; and its heat should be 
as nearly as possible that of the intestine, or about blood-heat. — See 
page 215, Sect. 268. 

Copper. — There are two combinations of this metal used in vete- 
rinary practice : the verdigris or subacetate, and the blue vitriol or 
sulphate. 

Verdigris — Gruenspan, Ger. — It is the common rust of copper, 
produced by vinegar, or any thing sour, or even common salt. It is 
applied externally as a mild caustic, in the form of fine powder, or 
mixed with an equal quantity of the sugar (superacetate) of lead, it 
eats down proud flesh, or stimulates old ulcers to healthy action ; 
when boiled with honey and vinegar, it constitutes the farriers' 
Egyptiacum. 

Blue Vitriol — Blatter Vitriol, Ger. — It is the union of sulphuric 
acid and eopper. It is principally valuable as an external application, 
dissolved in water in the proportion of two drams to a pint, and acts 
as a gentle stimulant; but when an ounce is dissolved in the same 
quantity of water it becomes a mild caustic. In the former propor- 
tion, it reuses eld ulcers to healthy action and disposes even recent 



400 the farmer's complete farrier. 

wounds to heal more quickly than they otherwise would do ,* and in 
the latter it removes fungous granulations or proud flesh. The blue 
vitriol is sometimes reduced to powder and sprinkled upon the wound 
for this purpose, and is a good application for canker in the foot. 

Cordials — Hertz stserkende mitt el, Ger., are useful or injurious 
according to the judgment with which they are given. When a horse 
comes home thoroughly exhausted, and refuses his food, a cordial 
may rouse the stomach and the system, and may prevent cold and 
fever; but it is poison to the animal when administered after the cold is 
actually caught and fever begins to appear. More to be reprobated 
is the practice of giving frequent cordials.- The artificial excitement 
of the cordial soon becomes as necessary to enable the horse to do 
even common work, as is the excitement of the dram to sustain the 
animal spirits of the drunkard. 

To recall the appetite of the horse slowly recovering from illness, 
a cordial may sometimes be allowed ; or to old horses that have been 
worked hard and used to these excitements when young; or to draught 
horses, that have exhibited slight symptoms of staggers, when their 
labour has been unusually protracted, and their stomachs left too long 
empty. The most harmless cordial if abused, and the best if given 
with discretion, is composed of four parts each of caraway powder 
and bruised raisins, and two each of ginger and palm oil, well beaten 
into a mass. 

Corrosive sublimate. — See Mercury. 

Cremor tartar-- JVeinsteinrahm, Ger.- — See Super acetate of 
Potash. 

Croton tiglii.— The croton nut has not been long introduced into 
veterinary practice. An oil has been extracted from it, and used by 
the surgeon; the meal is adopted by the veterinarian. It is given in 
doses from a scruple to a-half a dram, and, from its acrid nature, in 
ball with an ounce of linseed meal. When it does operate, the effect 
is generally observed in six or eight hours. On account of its quick 
operation, it maybe given in lockjaw and staggers ; and also in dropsy 
of the chest or belly, but it is often uncertain in its operation, and its 
griping and the debility it occasions are serious objections to it as 
common physic. A turpentine tincture of the powdered nut makes 
an active blister; but not so effectual or so safe as the cantharides. 

Diaphoretics — Schweistreibend, Ger., are medicines that increase 
the sensible and insensible perspiration of the animal. Antimony in 
its various forms, and sulphur, have some effect in opening the pores 
of the skin, and exciting its vessels to action, and especially when 
assisted by warmth of stable or clothing, and therefore useful in those 
diseases where it is desirable that some portion of the blood should 
be diverted from the overloaded, and inflamed, and vital organs of the 
chest, to the skin or the extremities ; but the only diaphoretics on 
which much confidence can be placed, and especially to produce con- 
dition, are warm clothing and good grooming. 

Digestives — Verdanungsmittel, Ger., are applications to recent 
or old wounds, to cause them more easily to heal. A weak solution 
of blue vitriol is an excellent digestive; so is the tincture of aloes and 



401 

of myrrh. The best digestive ointment is one composed of three 
parts of the common calamine ointment. (Turner's cerate) and one of 
common turpentine. 

Dane wort, or dwarf elder — Zivergholunder^ Ger. — This re- 
sembles the elder, both in form and quality, rising up with a four 
square rough hairy stalk, four feet high ; the winged leaves are some- 
what narrower than the elder — flowers are white, with a tint of purple. 
It grows very common in hedges. 

Digitalis — Finger Jnitkraut, Ger. — The leaves of the common 
fox-glove, gathered about the flowering time, dried carefully in the 
dark, powdered, and kept in a close black bottle, form one of the most 
valuable medicines in veterinary practice. It is a direct and powerful 
sedative, diminishing the frequency of the pulse, and the general 
irritability of the system, and acting also as a mild diuretic. It is 
usually given in combination with emetic tartar and nitre. The 
average dose would be one dram of digitalis, one and a-half of emetic 
tartar, and three of nitre, and repeated twice or thrice in the day. 
It lessens the pulsations ; when at every sixth or seventh beat, the 
pulsations are suspended, while two or three could be slowly counted, 
this is precisely the effect which is intended to be produced ; and 
however ill the horse may appear to be, from that moment the animal 
will begin to amend. The dose must then be diminished one-half, 
and in a few days it may be omitted altogether; but the tartar and 
nitre should be continued. There is no danger in the intermittent 
pulse thus produced; but there is much danger when the digitalis 
fails to produce any effect on the circulation. The disease is then 
too powerful to be arrested by medicine. 

In the form of infusion or tincture, digitalis is very useful in in- 
flammation of the eyes. It is almost equal in power to opium, and 
it may with great advantage be alternated with it, when opium begins 
to lose its power. The infusion is made by pouring a quart of boil- 
ing water on an ounce of the powder. A portion of the liquid should 
be introduced into the eye. Of the tincture one or two drops should 
be introduced. To form the tincture, three ounces of the digitalis 
should be added to a quart of spirit. 

Dogwood — Kornel-Kirschbaum, Ger. — This grows in almost 
every part of the United States, and in some parts is called box-wood. 
The flowers generally make their appearance in the middle of May. 

The bark both of the stem and root, is astringent, and has been 
used as a substitute for the Peruvian bark, possessing similar pro- 
perties. 

Dill — Bill, Ger. — The dill is an annual umbelliferous plant, cul- 
tivated in gardens, as well for culinary as medical use. The seeds 
possess carminative properties, hence are recommended in flatulent 
colics. 

Dittany — Diptam, Ger. — Is a well known mountain plant. It is 
an excellent remedy, if given in strong decoctions, in cases of hoves. 

Dragonroot, or Indian turnep — Arumwurzd, Ger. — This is a 
native, and hardy perennial plant, growing in shady places, and in 



402 the farmer's complete farrier. 

swamps. Early in the spring it pushes up a one leafed, conical 
shaped spatha. 

The leaves are generally marked with black spots, and sometimes 
with white streaks, which have occasioned the vulgar names of lords 
and ladies. The root is bulbous, resembling in shape a small turnep. 
In common practice both the root and leaves have been used with 
advantage externally for blistering, and internally in cachexies, rheu- 
matisms, and all other complaints of cold phlegmatic habits. 

Dragonwort — Stabwurz, or Jlberrante, Ger., is a species of 
artemesia, that grows upon mountains, and the sides of hills, about 
six or seven inches high ; the leaves grow in a cluster from the top of 
the root, spear-shaped, blossoms yellow ; the root black, about the 
size of cloves, very tender, resembling the claws of a dragon, hence 
sometimes called dragon's claw. It is esteemed an excellent medi- 
cine in billious fever, pleurisy, colds, &c. 

Diuretics — Urintreibende mittel, Ger., constitute a useful, but 
a much abused class of medicines. They stimulate the kidneys to 
secrete more than the usual quantity of urine, or to separate a greater 
than ordinary proportion of the watery parts of the blood. 

Mowburnt hay and foxy oats are the unsuspected causes of many 
a disease in the horse, at first obscure, but ultimately referable to 
injury or inflammation of the urinary organs. 

Elecampane — Mlantwurzel, Ger. — Grows three or four feet high ; 
flowers large and yellow, in July and August. It is highly recom- 
mended as an expectorant. The fresh root, in ointment, is servicea- 
ble in curing wounds and ulcers. 

Eye bright — Jlugentrost, Ger.— This is a small low herb, grow- 
ing in meadows. The juice of it, dropped into the eyes for several 
days, helps infirmities of the eyes that cause dimness of sight. 

Elmtree — ZTlmbaum, ( Rusehebaum,) Ger. — This tree is well 
known. The inner bark, boiled in water and taken, is good in diar- 
rhea and scouring. — See page 165, No. 119. 

Fennel — Fenchel, Ger. — This is so well known to all that we 
deem it superfluous to say much about it. 

Frankincense — PPeirauch, Ger. — To be had in shops. And is 
used as prescribed in the formula. 

Fenugreek — Foenegrceicum, Ger. — This is a well known medi- 
cine, and to be had in every apothecary shop. 

Fox-glove — Purpurr other fur gerhut, Ger. — This is cultivated in 
some gardens. It rises to the height of two or three feet, and its 
leaves are large, egg-shaped, serrated, and covered with hairs. Blos- 
soms of a beautiful purple color, hanging downwards in a row along 
one side, which are compared to the fingers of a glove. The fox-glove 
has been employed with advantage in those disorders where the fre- 
quency of the pulse requires to be abated. 

Fluelin — Grundheil, Ger. — It shoots forth long branches, partly 
lying on the ground, and partly standing upright, with red leaves, a 
little pointed, somewhat hairy, and of a greenish white color. The 
leaves bruised and applied with barley meal to watering eyes, helps 
them ; it heals and closes green wounds ; also foul or old ulcers. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 403 

Gentian — Enzian, Ger., stands at the head of the vegetable 
tonics, and it is a stomachic as well as a tonic. It is equally useful 
in chronic debility, and in that which is consequent on severe and 
protracted illness. It is generally united with camomile, ginger, and, 
when the patient will bear it, carbonate of iron. Four drams of gen- 
tian, two of camomile, one of carbonate of iron, and one of ginger, 
will make an excellent tonic ball. An infusion of gentian is one of 
the best applications to putrid ulcers. 

Ginger — Ingber, Ger., is as valuable for a cordial, as gentian is 
for a tonic. It is the basis of the cordial ball, and it is indispensable 
in the tonic ball. The veterinary practitioner should always pur- 
chase it in its solid form. If the root be large, heavy, and not worm- 
eaten, the black ginger is as good as the white, and considerably 
cheaper. 

Goat's thorn — See Buck's thorn. — Not the same as goafs beard, 
or goat's rue, vulgarly called cat-gut, from the resemblance of some 
of its roots to that plant. 

Guaiacum — Franzosenholfz, Ger. — Guaiacum or lignum vitae, is 
a genus of plants producing three species. It is a native of the West 
Indies. The gum of this tree is of a friable nature, of a deep green- 
ish color, and sometimes of a reddish hue. It is a stimulating medi- 
cine, both diaphoretic and purgative. 

Ground Ivy — Kreuzkraut, or Gundelreben, Ger. — The ground 
ivy is called by several names, viz: alehoof, cat's foot, &c. It is a 
well known herb, lies spread and creeping upon the ground, shooting 
forth roots, at the corners of the tender jointed stalks, &c. The root 
is in small fibres. It flowers early and long; the leaves continue 
green towards winter. 

Garlic — Knoblauch, Ger. — This is well known. It is highly 
stimulating. It provokes appetite, assists digestion, removes flatu- 
lence, promotes expectoration and urine. 

Gum Ammoniacum — Jimmonischer Gummi, Ger. — This gum is 
the inspissated juice of the heracleum gummiferum, an umbelliferous 
plant, indigenous to the interior parts of Africa, the desert of Barka, 
and the western regions of Egypt. It is highly recommended in 
obstructions of the glandular viscera of the abdomen ; and in combi- 
nation with other medicines, in the cure of gutta serena. It possesses 
expectorant powers. It is also used in a variety of plasters, and 
forms an excellent application to remove chronic and indolent swell- 
ings and glandular indurations. 

Gall nuts — Gall-depfel, Ger. — The gall nuts are nests of an in- 
sect called cynips quercifolii, which deposits its eggs in the leaves and 
other tender parts of a species of oak, a native of the Levant, and of 
the warm countries of Europe. They are powerful astringents. An 
infusion or decoction of galls may be used with advantage as an astrin- 
gent gargle ; and an ointment of one part of finely powdered galls to 
eight of simple ointment, is applied with success in hemorrhoidal 
affections. 

Groundsel — Grundschwelle, Ger. — Common groundsel has a 
round, green and brownish stalk, spread towards the top into branches 



404 

set with long and green leaves, cut on the edge, resembling oak leaves, 
but smaller, and round at the end. It is an universal medicine for all 
diseases produced by heat. The herb alone, preserved in ointment, 
is efficacious in all hot diseases. The decoction of the herb will re- 
lieve pains in the stomach. The juice, taken in wine, expels gravel, 
cures colic, and acts upon the liver. 

Gamboge— Gummigutt, Ger. — This is a concrete vegetable juice, 
of a gummy, resinous nature. It issues from the Cambogia gutta, a 
native of Gambia, in the East Indies. The best is of a deep yellow 
color. It is generally used in combination with jalap, calomel, &e. 

Goulard's Extract. — See Lead, also, p. 82. 

Hellebore — Nieswurz, Ger. — Is a powerful nauseant, and lowers 
both the force and the frequency of the pulse, and is therefore given 
with good effect in inflammations, and particularly that of the lungs; 
but it requires watching. If it is pushed a little too far, trembling 
and giddiness, and purging follow, and the horse is sometimes lost. 
The hanging of the head, frothing of the mouth, and, more particu- 
larly, the sinking of the pulse, would give warning of danger. Its 
dose varies from a scruple to half a dram. In doses of a dram, it 
could not be given with safety. 

Hemlock— Schierling, Ger. — Is used by some practitioners, in- 
stead of digitalis or hellebore, in affections of the chest, whether 
acute or chronic ; but it is inferior to both. The dose of the powder 
of the dried leaves is about a dram. 

Hyosciamus, or henbane — Blisenkraut, or Schwarze Niesivurzel, 
Ger. — Black henbane grows at the sides of fences, about old ruins, 
and on dunghills, and it grows about two feet high. The stalks are 
thick, woody, irregularly branched, and covered with a hairy down. 
The leaves surrounding the stalk at their base, stand irregularly ; are 
large, soft and downy, pointed at the ends, and very deeply indented 
at the edges ; their color is grayish green, having a disagreeable 
smell; the flowers are large and egg-shaped, and of a dirty yellowish 
color, with purple streaks. The root is long and tough. 

Hyssop— hop, Ger. — This is a well known herb. Its leaves have 
an aromatic smell and a warm pungent taste. It is of great service 
when applied in poultices to bruises, the pain of which is speedily 
mitigated. 

Horehound — Andorn, Ger. — This plant, as is well known, grows 
among rubbish, flowering from July to September. The leaves have 
a very bitter taste, and possessing highly tonic properties. 

Horse Radish— •Meerretig, Ger. — Grows on the sides of ditches, 
and in gardens, where it is cultivated for culinary and medicinal pur- 
poses. It is a powerful anti-scorbutic, and when taken freely, stimu- 
lates the nervous system, promotes urine and perspiration. 

Hartshorn — -Hirehorn, Ger. — See Ammonia. 

Houseleek — Hauswurzel, Ger. — Grows on the roofs of houses 
and old walls, flowering in July. This herb bruised and applied to 
burns, or fresh wounds, and other external inflammations, will give 
relief. 

Infusions — Jlujloesungen, Ger. — Dried vegetables yield their pro- 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 40S 

perties more readily and perfectly than when in their green state. 
Boiling- water is poured on the substance to be infused, and which is 
previously grossly pounded or powdered ; the vessel is then covered 
and placed by a fire. In five or six hours the transparent part may 
be poured off, and is ready for use. In a few days, however, all in- 
fusions become thick, and lose their virtue. 

The infusion of camomile is advantageously used instead of water., 
in compounding a mild tonic drench : the infusion of catechu is use- 
ful in astringent mixtures ; the infusion of linseed is used instead of 
common water in catarrh and cold; and the infusion of tobacco in 
some injections. 

Iodine — lodin, Ger. — This substance has been given with effect 
in doses of five grains daily, to reduce the enlarged glands which 
sometimes remain after catarrh. It has likewise power in reducing 
almost every species of tumor, and may be tried where it would be 
dangerous to use the knife. 

Ipecacuanha — Bre-chwurz, Ger. — The root is brought from Span- 
ish America. It is divided into two sorts, Peruvian and Brazilian, 
The Peruvian is preferred for medical use, and is emetic in its pro- 
perties. 

Iron — Eisen, Ger. — Of this metal there are two preparations 
adopted by veterinarians. The rust, or Carbonate, is a mild and 
useful tonic in doses from two to four drams. The Sulphate (green 
vitriol or copperas) is more power fill* but should never be given in 
early stages of recovery, and always with caution. The dose should 
be the same as that of the carbonate. The sulphate has lately been 
recommended for the cure of that deceitful stage or form of glanders, 
in which there is nothing to characterize the disease but a very slight 
discharge from the nostrils. It is to be dissolved in the common 
drink of the horse. 

Forge-water used to be a favorite tonic with farriers, and also a 
lotion for canker and ulcers in the mouth. 

Jalap — Jalappenwurzel, Ger. — Is imported from New Spain. 
Its medicinal properties are principally purgative. When combined 
with a small portion of ipecacuanha, it is an excellent purgative. 

Jamestown weed—- Stechapfel, Ger. — This plant is known as 
jimson weed, stink weed, thorn apple, &e. Its medicinal properties 
are narcotic. It is a strong narcotic poison, though useful if properly 
administered. 

Juniper Oil — Wachholderazhl, Ger. — -This essential oil is retained 
because it has some diuretic property, and is a pleasant aromatic. It 
may, therefore, enter into the composition of the diuretic ball. 

Lard. — This, or palm oil, is far preferable to honey, or molasses, 
or syrups, for making up balls, because the ball more readily dissolves 
in the stomach. It likewise renders a purgative less liable to gripe. 
It is the principal basis of all ointments. 

Laudanum. — See Opium. 

Lead — Blei, Ger. — Combinations of this metal are admitted into 
veterinary practice. The subacetate is common under the name of 
Extract of Lead, or Goulard's Extract. It is used in the propor- 



406 

tion of a dram to a pint of water in the early stages of inflammation 
of the eye. In double the proportion it is serviceable in superficial 
inflammations of various kinds, or in poultices for the feet where 
there is much inflammation or pain; but in cases of sprain, or deep 
injury, or inflammations, it is perfectly useless. 

The Sugar of Lead is the acetate or superacetate of that metal. 
This dissolved in water in the proportion of two drams to a pint, 
makes an extemporaneous Goulard's Lotion, but not more valuable 
than the former. 

White Lead, (carbonate of lead,) is sometimes sprinkled, in the 
form of fine powder, and with advantage, on swelled legs, where the 
skin is very red and irritable, and moisture is exuding through it. It 
is used alone or mixed with paste, or a bread-and-water poultice : but 
lead, although in the first mentioned form, a great favorite with many 
persons, might, without great loss, be expunged from the Veterinary 
Pharmacopeia. 

Lime — Kalk, Ger. — Is rarely used, but the Chloride of Lime is 
exceedingly valuable. Diluted with twenty times its quantity of 
water, it should help to form the poultice applied to every part from 
which there is the slightest offensive discharge. 

Liniments — Salben, Ger. — Are applications designed either to 
soothe an inflamed surface, or, by gently stimulating the skin, to re- 
move deeper seated pain or inflammation. As an emollient liniment, 
one composed of half an ounce of extract of lead and four ounces 
of olive oil will be useful. For sprains, old swellings, or rheuma- 
tism, two ounces of hartshorn, the same quantity of camphorated 
spirit, an ounce of oil of turpentine, half an ounce of laudanum, and 
a dram of oil of origanum, may be mixed together: or an ounce of 
camphor may be dissolved in four ounces of sweet oil, to which an 
ounce of oil of turpentine, and a dram of oil of origanum should be 
afterwards added. A little powdered cantharides, or tincture of can- 
tharides, or mustard powder, will render either of these more power- 
ful, or convert it into a liquid blister. 

Linseed — Leinsaamen, Ger. — An infusion of linseed is often used 
instead of water, for the drink of the horse with sore throat or catarrh. 
A pail containing it should be slung in the stable or loose box. Thin 
gruel, however, is preferable ; it is as bland and soothing, and more 
nutricious. Linseed meal forms the best poultice for almost every 
purpose. 

The oil of linseed is not a certain, but always a safe purgative. 
It must be given, however, in doses of a pint or a pint and a-half 

Lungwort — Lungenkraut, Ger. — This is a kind of moss that 
grows on trees, especially oak and beech, with broad, grayish, rough 
leaves, diversely folded, crumpled and gashed in on the edges, and 
sometimes spotted with many small spots on the upper side. It is 
of great use in diseases of lungs, and for coughs and shortness of 
breath, which it cures in both man and beast. 

Licorice— Sues s hols soft, Ger. — The plant is perennial, a native of 
the south of Europe. It is well known as a pleasant demulcent in 
combination with the infusion of linseed. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 407 

Lunar caustic or nitrate of silver. — Is an eschoratic. — p. 108. 

Liverwort— Leberkraut, Ger. — This grows in moist and shady 
places, with many small green leaves. It is good for liver diseases, 
and possesses cooling and cleansing properties. 

Litharge — Silberglset, Ger. — To be had in the shops. 

Magnesia. — The sulphate of magnesia, or epsom salts, should 
be used only in promoting the purgative effect of clysters. 

Motherwort — Mutterkraut, Ger.— Grows in waste places, and 
flowers in July and August. The flowers are thorny whirls, pur- 
plish within, and white on the outside ; the leaves are opposite, two 
to each whirl. 

Marjoram — Wurzkraut, Ger. — Sweet marjoram is well known. 
The wild or field marjoram, has a root which creeps much under 
ground, and continues a long time, sending up many brownish, hard, 
square stalks, with small dark leaves, resembling the sweet marjoram. 
Bears a small black seed. 

Mallows — Eibish, Ger. — Grows in wet places. The leaves 
have a soft wooly surface, feeling like velvet. The flowers are white, 
palish color, and appear in August. 

Mashes — Masche, Ger., — constitute a very important part of 
horse provender, whether in sickness or health. A mash given occa- 
sionally to a horse that is otherwise fed on dry meat prevents him 
from becoming dangerously costive. To the overworked and tired 
horse nothing is. so refreshing as a warm mash with his usual allow- 
ance of corn in it. The art of getting a horse into apparent condi- 
tion for sale, or giving him a round and plump appearance, consists 
principally in the frequent repetition of mashes, and they form the 
principal diet of the sick horse. 

Mashes are made by pouring boiling water on bran, and stirring it 
well, and then covering it over until it is sufficiently cool for the horse 
to eat. 

If the horse refuses the mash, a few oats may be sprinkled over it 
in order to tempt him to eat it; but if it is previously designed that 
corn should be given in the mash, it should be scalded with the bran, 
to soften it and render it more digestible. Bran mashes are very 
useful preparatives for physic, and they are necessary during the 
operation of the physic. They very soon become sour, and the man- 
ger of the horse, of whose diet they form a principal part, should be 
daily and carefully cleaned out. 

When horses are weakly and much reduced, malt mashes will 
often be palatable to them and very nutritive ; but the water that is 
poured on a malt mash should be considerably below the boiling heat 
or the malt will be set, or clogged together. If owners were aware 
of the value of a malt mash, it would be oftener given when the 
horse is rapidly getting weaker from protracted disease, or when he 
is beginning to recover from a disease by which he has been much 
reduced. The only exception to their use is in cases of chest affec- 
tion, in which they must not be given too early. In grease, and in 
mange, accompanied with much emaciation, malt mashes will be pecu- 



408 the farmer's complete farrier. 

liarly useful, and especially if they constitue a principal portion of 
the food. 

Mercury. — The mercurial ointment is prepared by rubbing quick- 
silver with lard, in the proportion of one part of mercury to three of 
grease, until no globules appear; the practitioner should, if possible, 
prepare it himself, for he can neither get it pure nor of the proper 
strength from the druggist. It is employed with considerable advan- 
tage in preparing splents, spavins, or other bony or callous tumours, 
for blistering or firing. One or two drams, according to the nature 
and size of the swelling, may be daily well rubbed in ; but it should 
be watched, for it sometimes salivates the horse very speedily. The 
tumors more readily disperse, at the application of the stronger stimu- 
lant, when they have been thus prepared. Mercurial ointment in a 
more diluted form is sometimes necessary for the cure of malanders 
and salanders ; and in very obstinate cases of mange. 

Calomel — Kalomel, Ger., — the submuriate or protochloride of 
mercury, may be given, combined with aloes, in mange, surfeit, or 
worms. It is admissible in some cases of chronic cough, in farcy, 
and in jaundice, but is not a medicine that seems to agree with the 
horse. It is given in doses from a scruple to a dram, but must not 
be too often or too long repeated. As soon as the gums become red, 
or the animal begins to quid or drop his hay, it must be discontinued. 

Corrosive Sublimate — Sublimat, Ger., — the oxymuriate or bi- 
chloride of mercury, combined with chlorine in a double proportion, 
is a useful tonic in farcy, and perhaps the most to be depended 
upon. It should be given in doses of ten grains daily, and gradually 
increased to a scruple, until the horse is purged, or the mouth be- 
comes sore, when it may be omitted for a few days, and resumed. 
It is used externally in solution ; and in substance in quittor, as a 
stimulant to foul ulcers and in the proportion of five grains to an 
ounce of rectified spirit in obstinate mange, or to destroy vermin on 
the skin. It is, however, too uncertain and too dangerous a medicine 
for the horse-proprietor to venture on its use without the sanction of 
a veterinary surgeon. 

JEthiop's mineral, the black sulphuret of mercury, is a good alter- 
ative for obstinate surfeit or foulness of the skin, in doses of three 
drams daily. Four drams of cremor tartar may be advantageously 
added to each dose. 

Mint — Mimze, Ger. — If the use of an infusion or decoction of 
this pLant, or of the oil that is extracted from it, is a vehicle in which 
the oil of turpentine and laudanum may be administered in cases of 
colic. 

Mustard — Sen/, Ger. — There are two kinds of mustard, the black 
and the white, both well known. It provokes appetite, assists diges- 
tion, and promotes the fluid secretions. 

Masterwort — Meisterwurz, Ger.— Grows in meadows and rich 
soils, two feet high ; leaves three together, saw-edged, and spear- 
shaped ; flowers in June. The root is given in flatulency, weak- 
ness of stomach and dropsical affections. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 409 

Mitgwort — Beifuss, Ger.— -This plant grows two or three feet 
high, leaves deeply divided, pointed ; on the upper side of a deep 
green, and on the under soft or downy ; flowers small and purplish* 

Mullen — TVoolkraut, Ger. — Is so well known that a description 
is not necessary here. 

Myrrh may be used in the form of tincture, or it may be united 
to the tincture of aloes as a stimulating and digestive application to 
wounds. Diluted with an equal quantity of water, it is a good appli- 
cation for canker in the mouth. 

Nitre. — See Potash. 

Nitrous Ether, Spirit of. — Is a very useful medicine in the ad- 
vanced stages of fever, and maybe denominated a stimulant, although 
it never brings back the dangerous febrile action which was subsiding* 
It is given in doses of three or four drams. 

Oils.— Those that are worth retaining will be found under the 
names of the vegetables from which they are extracted. 

Ointments. — Those have been fully described under the accidents 
and diseases in which their use is required. 

Olives, Oil of. — This is sometimes given as a purgative when 
aloes or other aperients cannot be obtained. It is useless to give it 
in a less quantity than a pint, and then it is uncertain in its operation, 
although harmless. In all liniments and ointments, spermaceti, or 
even linseed oil, may be substituted without detriment, and the pecu- 
liar smell of the latter may be subdued by oil of aniseed or origanum. 

Opium — Mohnsafte, Ger. — However underrated by some, there is 
not a more valuable drug on our list. It does not often act as a nar- 
cotic except in enormous doses; but it is a powerful anti-spasmodic, 
sedative, and astringent. As an anti-spasmodic, it enters into the colic 
drink, and it is the sheet anchor of the veterinarian in the treatment 
of tetanus or locked jaw. As a sedative, it relaxes that universal 
spasm of the muscular system, which is the characteristic of tetanus. 
In the early and acute stage of fever, it would be bad practice to give 
it in the smallest quantity ; but when the fever has passed, or is pass- 
ing, there is nothing which so rapidly subdues the irritability that 
accompanies extreme weakness; and it becomes an excellent tonic, 
because it is a sedative. 

If the blue or green vitrioif 'or cantharides, have been pushed too 
far, opium soonest quiets the disorder they have occasioned. It is 
given in doses of one or two drams ; either the powdered opium 
being made into a ball, or the crude opium dissolved in hot water, and 
given with its sediment. 

Palm Oil — Palm eel, Ger. — When genuine, is the very best sub- 
stance that can be used for making masses and balls. It has a plea- 
sant smell, and it never becomes rancid. 

Pitch — Pech, Ger. — Is used to give adhesiveness and firmness 
to charges and plasters. The common pitch is quite as good as the 
more expensive Burgundy pitch. The best plaster for sand-crack 
consists of one pound of pitch, and an ounce of yellow beeswax 
melted together. 

Physic — Abfuelirungsmittel, Ger. — The cases which require 
27 



410 the farmer's complete earrier. 

physic, the composition of the most effectual and safest physic ball, 
and the mode of treatment under physic, have been already descri- 
bed. — See p. 215, Section 268. 

Potassa — Pottdsche, Ger. — Two compounds of potassa are used 
in veterinary practice. The nitrate of potassa, nitre, is a valuable 
cooling medicine, and. a mild diuretic, and, therefore, it should enter 
into the composition of every fever ball. Its dose is from two to 
four drams. Nitre, while dissolving, materially lowers the tempera- 
ture of water, and furnishes a very cold and useful lotion for sprain 
of the back sinews, and other local inflammations. The lotion, how- 
ever, should be used as soon as the salt is dissolved, for it quickly 
becomes as warm as the surrounding air. 

Poultices — Umschlsege, Ger. — Few horsemen are aware of the 
value of these simple applications in abating inflammation, relieving 
pain, cleansing wounds, and disposing them to heal. That poultice 
is the best for general purposes in which moisture and warmth are 
longest retained. Perspiration is most abundantly promoted in the 
part, the pores are opened, swellings are relieved, and discharges of 
a healty nature procured from wounds. 

Linseed meal forms the best general poultice, because it longest 
retains the moisture. Bran, although frequently used for poultices, 
is objectionable, because it so soon becomes dry. To abate conside- 
rable inflammation, and especially in a wounded part, Goulard may 
be added, or the linseed may be made into a paste with a decoction 
of poppy heads. To promote a healty discharge from an old or foul 
Ulcer; or separation of the dead from the living parts, in the process 
of what is called coring out ; or to hasten the ripening of a tumor that 
must be opened; or to cleanse it when it is opened, two ounces of 
common turpentine may be added to a pound of linseed meal; but 
nothing can be so absurd, or is so injurious, as the addition of tur- 
pentine to a poultice that is designed to be an emollient. 

If the ulcer smells offensively, two ounces of powdered charcoal 
may be added to the linseed meal, or the poultice may be made of 
water, to which a solution of the chloride of lime has been added in 
the proportion of half an ounce to a pound.— See p. 212, Sect. 265. 

Powders— Pulver, Ger.— Some horses are very difficult to ball or 
drench, and the violent struggle that would accompany the attempt to 
conquer them may heighten the fever or inflammation. To such 
horses, powders must be given in mashes. Emetic tartar and digitalis 
may be generally used in cases of inflammation or fever ; or emetic 
tartar for worms ; or calomel and even the farina of the Croton nut 
for physic ; but powders are too often an excuse for the laziness or 
awkwardness of the carter or groom. The horse frequently refuses 
them, especially if his appetite has otherwise begun to fail; the pow- 
der and the mash are wasted, and the animal is unnecessarily nauseated. 
All medicine should be given in the form of ball or drink. 

Raking — Mastdarmleerung, Ger.— This consists in introducing 
the hand into the horse's rectum, and drawing out any hardened dung 
that may be there. It may be necessary in costiveness or fever, if a 
clyster pipe cannot be obtained ; but an injection will better effect the 



4H 

-purpose, and with less inconvenience to the animal. The introduc- 
tion of the hand into the rectum is, however, useful to ascertain the 
existence of stone in the bladder, or the degree of distention of the 
bladder in suppression of urine, for the bladder will be easily felt 
below the gut ; and at the same time by the heat of the intestine, the 
degree of inflammation in it or in the bladder may be detected. 

Resin — Harz, Ger. — The yellow resin is that which remains after 
the distillation of oil of turpentine. It is used externally to give con- 
sistence to ointments, and to render them slightly stimulant. Inter- 
nally, it is a useful diuretic, and is given in doses of five or six drams 
made into a ball with soft soap. The common liquid turpentine, is, 
however, preferable. 

Rowels — Uaarseil, Ger. — As exciting inflammation on the surface, 
and so lessening that which had previously existed in a neighboring, 
but deeper seated part, they are decidedly inferior to blisters ; there- 
fore they should not be used in acute inflammation of the lungs or 
bowels, or any vital part. When the inflammation, however, although 
not intense, has long continued, rowels will be serviceable by produ- 
cing an irritation and discharge which can be better kept up than by 
a blister. If fluid is thrown out under the skin in any other part, 
the rowel acts as a permanent drain. When sprain of the joint or 
the muscles of the shoulder is suspected, a rowel in the chest will be 
serviceable. The wound caused by a rowel will readily heal, and 
with little blemish, unless the useless leather of the farrier has been 
inserted. — See page 213. 

Rue — Haute, Ger. — This is a well known garden plant; it has an 
unpleasant smell, pungent bitter taste ; an infusion of the leaves pow- 
erfully promotes perspiration, quickens the circulation, and removes 
obstructions. 

Setons and rowels. — See page 213, Sect. 266. 

Salt, common. — See Soda. 

SAVix—Ssebenbaum, Ger. — Grows in gardens, and is well known., 
The dry plant powdered is an excellent remedy to cleanse ulcers. 
Savin is a warm stimulating medicine. 

Sedatives — Stillcnde-mitlel, Ger., are medicines which subdue 
irritation, repress spasmodic action, or deaden pain. Digitalis, helle- 
bore, opium and turpentine, are medicines of this kind. Their effects 
are considered under their respective titles. 

Silver — Silber, Ger. — One combination only of this metal is used, 
viz : the lunar caustic. It is far preferable to the hot iron, or to any 
acid, for the destruction of the part, if a horse should have been bitten 
by a rabid dog; and it stands next to the butyr of antimony for the re- 
moval of fungus generally. 

Spigelia Marylandica, or Pinkroot — Wurmkrautwurzel, Ger. 
This is a perennial plant, and grows wild in most of the southern 
States. The roots are celebrated as an anthelmintic, particularly for 
the expulsion of lumbrici from the alimentary canal. 

Speedwell. — See Fluelin. 

Soda — Jlschensalz, Ger. — The chloride of soda is exceedingly 
useful in changing malignant, corroding and destructive sores into the 



412 THE 

state of simple ulcers, and in ulcers that are not malignant it much 
hastens the cure. Poll-evil and fistulous withers are much benefited 
hy it, and all farcy ulcers. It is used in the proportion of one part 
of the solution to twenty-four of water. 

Common Salt, (chloride of sodium,) forms an efficacious aperient 
clyster; a solution of it has even been given as an aperient drink. 
Sprinkled over the hay, or in a mash, it is very palatable to sick 
horses ; and in that languor and disinclination to food which remain 
after severe illness, few things will so soon recall the appetite as a 
drink composed of eight ounces of salt in solution. To horses in 
health it is more useful than is generally imagined, as promoting the 
digestion of the food, and, consequently, condition. Externally ap- 
plied, there are few better lotions for inflamed eyes than a solution of 
half a dram of salt in four ounces of water. In the proportion of an 
ounce of salt to the same quantity of water, it is a good embrocation 
for sore shoulders and backs ; and if it does not always disperse war- 
bles and tumors, it takes away much of the tenderness of the skin. 

Soap — Seife 7 Ger.— Is supposed to possess a diuretic quality, and 
therefore enters into the composition of some diuretic masses. — See 
Resin. 

Starch — Stserke^ Ger.— May be substituted with advantage for 
gruel, in obstinate cases of purging, both as a clyster, and to support 
the strength of the animaL 

Stoppings — Verstopfungen, Ger. — Constitute an important, but too 
often neglected part of stable management. If a horse is irregularly 
or seldom worked, his feet are deprived of moisture ; they become 
hard, unyielding, and brittle, disposed to corn, contraction, and foun- 
der. The very muck of a neglected and filthy stable would be pre- 
ferable to habitual standing on the cleanest litter without stopping. 
In wounds, bruises, and corns, moisture is even more necessary to 
supple the horn, and relieve its pressure on the tender parts beneath. 
As a common stopping, nothing is better than cow dung with a-fourth 
part of clay beaten well into it, and confined with splents from the 
binding of the broom, or the larger twigs of the broom. In cases of 
wounds a little tar may be added ; but as a common stopping, it is 
too stimulating and drying. Pads made of thick felt have lately been 
contrived, which are fitted to the sole, and, swelling on being wetted, 
are sufficiently confined by the shoe. Having been well filled w T ith 
water, they will continue moist during the night. They are very 
useful in gentlemen's stables ; but the cow dung and clay are suffi- 
cient for the farmer. 

Spurge — Wolfsrnilch, Ger. — This is an indigenous, low shrub, 
growing in woody and shady places, and flowering in February or 
March. It has spear-shaped leaves, and the flowers grow by threes 
from the same joint sitting upon the stem, and are of a beautiful reel 
or rose color. The whole of this plant is so corrosive, that six of its 
berries are said to kill a wolf. The bark of the root of this plant is 
used in medicine. When applied in a recent stale, or infused in vine- 
gar, it is effectual in raising a blister. 



THE FARMER'S COMPLETE FARRIER. 413 

Sulphur — Schwefel, Ger. — Is the basis of the most effectual ap- 
plications for mange. It is an excellent alterative, combined usually 
with antimony and nitre, and particularly for mange, surfeit, grease, 
hidebound, or want of condition; and it is a useful ingredient in the 
cough and fever ball. The black sulphur consists principally of the 
dross after the pure sulphur has been separated. 

TANSEY—Rheinfarn. Ger. — This is a well known plant. The 
seeds of it are an excellent vermifuge. 

Tolu — Tolubalsam, Ger. — This is the product of a tree which 
grows in Spanish America. It possesses highly expectorant properties. 

Tormentil or Septfoil — Tormentil, Ger.— Has reddish weak 
branches rising from the root, lying upon the ground, with short 
leaves, which compass the branches in several places ; but those that 
grow on the ground are set upon footstalks, like the leaves of cinque- 
foil, but longish and serrated. 

Tutly — Zink-kalk, Ger. — Impure oxide of zinc. 

Tar — Theer, Ger. — Melted with an equal quantity of grease, forms 
the usual stopping of the farrier. It is a warm or slightly stimulant, 
and therefore useful, dressing for bruised or wounded feet; but its 
principal virtue seems to consist in preventing the penetration of dirt 
and water to the wounded part. As a common stopping it has been 
stated to be objectionable. From its warm and drying properties, it 
is the usual and proper basis for thrush ointments; and from its 
adhesiveness, and slightly stimulating power, it often forms an in- 
gredient in applications for mange; some practitioners give it, and 
advantageously, mixed with the usual cough medicine, and in doses 
of two or three drams for chronic cough. The common tar is as effec- 
tual as the Barbadoes, for every veterinary purpose. The oil, or spirit 
(rectified oil) of tar is sometimes used alone for the cure of mange, but 
it is not to be depended upon. The spirit of tar, mixed with double 
the quantity of fish oil, is, from its peculiar penetrating property, one 
of the best applications for hard and brittle feet. It should be well 
rubbed with a brush, both on the crust and sole, every night. 

Tinctures — Tincturen, Ger. — As applications to wounds or in- 
flamed surfaces, the tinctures of aloes, digitalis, myrrh, and opium, 
are highly useful. 

Tobacco — Taback, Ger. — In the hands of the skilful farrier, may 
be advantageously employed in cases of extreme costiveness, or dan- 
gerous colic; but should never be permitted to be used as an external 
application for the cure of mange, or an internal medicine to promote 
a fine coat. 

Tonics — Stserkende-mittel, Ger. — Are valuable medicines when 
judiciously employed; but like cordials, they have been fatally abused. 
Many a horse recovering from severe disease has been destroyed by 
their too early, or too free use. The veterinary surgeon occasionally 
administers them injuriously, in his anxiety to gratify the impatience 
of his employer. The mild vegetable tonics, camomile, gentian, 
ginger, and, perhaps, the carbonate of iron, may sometimes be given 
with benefit, and may hasten the perfect recovery of the horse. — 
Against the more powerful mineral tonics, except for the particular 



414 the farmer's complete farrier. 

purposes that have been pointed out under the proper heads, the horse 
proprietor and the doctor should be on his guard. 

Turpentine — Terpentin, Ger. — The common liquid turpentine 
has been described as one of the best diuretics, in doses of half an 
ounce, and made into a ball with linseed meal and half a dram of 
ginger. The oil of turpentine is an excellent anti-spasmodic. For 
the removal of colic it stands unrivalled. Forming a tincture with 
cantharides, it is the basis of the "sweating blister," used for old 
strains and swellings. 

Uva Ursi, or Bearberry. — This is an evergreen, creeping plant, 
with small oblong oval leaves, resembling very closely those of the 
common garden box. It is indigenous both to Europe and the United 
States. In its properties it is diuretic. It acts powerfully on the 
urinary organs. 

Vinegar — Essig, Ger. — This is a very useful application for 
sprains and bruises. Equal parts of boiling water and cold vinegar 
will form a good fomentation. Extract of lead, or bay salt, may be 
added with some slight advantage. As an internal remedy, vinegar 
is rarely given. 

Wax — Wachs, Ger.— The yellow wax is used in charges and 
some plasters to render them less brittle. 

Wintergreen — Winter grueri) Ger. — This plant is known in many 
places by the name of calico tree ; in others as ivy ; it is the broad- 
leafed laurel, grows seven or eight feet high, blossoms are white, 
tinged with red in June and July ; in combination with other articles 
forms a good poultice in palsy. — -See No. 12, p. 77. 

Wallwort — JLttich, Niederholunder, Ger. — See Banewort or 
dwarf elder. 

Wolf's milk — Wolfsmilch, Ger. — See Euphorbia or spurge* 

Zinc — Zink, Ger.— The impure carbonate of zinc, under the name 
of Calamine Powder, is used in the preparation of a valuable healing 
ointment. Five parts of lead and one of resin are melted together, 
and when these begin to get cool, two parts of the calamine, reduced 
to an impalpable powder, are stirred in. The calamine is sometimes 
sprinkled with advantage on cracked heels, and superficial sores. 

The sulphate of zinc, white vitriol, in the proportion of three 
grains to an ounce of water, is an excellent application in opthalmia, 
when the inflammatory stage is passing over; and quittor is most 
successfully treated by a saturated solution of white vitriol being in- 
jected into the sinuses. 

Zedoary — Zitwer, Ger.— A medicinal root, from a plant growing 
in the East Indies. It is a warm stomachic. 






415 



DIRECTIONS, 

Respecting gathering and preserving vegetable substances. 

Herbs, leaves and roots should be gathered in dry weather, after 
the dew is off, and are to be separated from decayed, withered and 
forcing leaves or matter. The proper drying of vegetable substan- 
ces is of the greatest importance. We shall submit a few plain 
remarks on this subject. 

Of Leaves or Herbs* 

Of leaves, choose only such as are green and full of juice ; pick 
them carefully, and cast away such as are declining. The leaves of 
plants or herbs which run up to seed, are not so good when they are 
in flowers as before. Dry them well in the sun, and not in the shade. 
When well dried, put them up in brown paper ; do not press them 
too compactly ; and keep in a perfectly dry place. You may readily 
know when they are injured by their loss of color and smell. 

Of Flowers. 

Let them be gathered when the sun shines on them. Dry them 
well in the sun, quickly and with attention. They should be kept 
free from the influence of moisture after being dried. 

Of Seeds. 

Let them be ripe when they are gathered; but before they fall spon- 
taneously. Dry them a little in the sun before you lay them up. 

Of Boots. 

Roots which are annual, should be collected before they shoot out 
their stalks or flowers. Choose such as are neither rotten, nor worm- 
eaten. Cleanse them with a brush and cold water, as soon as prac- 
ticable : never suffer roots to lie long in cold water. Free the main 
roots from all fibres and non-essential parts. 

The drier the time you gather roots, the better they are. Roots 
which consist principally of fibres, and have but a small top, may be 
immediately dried. Such as are soft dry in the sun. Such as are 
large will keep longer than such as are small. If roots are very thick 
and strong, better slice them and string them upon threads; if cov- 
ered with tough bark, they may be pealed, and then dried. Such 
as loose their virtues by drying, are to be kept buried in dry sand. 

Of Barks. 

Barks and wood should be collected in spring and autumn. Spring 
is preferred for resinous barks, and autumn for those that are gummy. 



110 



THE FARMER S COMPLETE FARRIER. 



Barks should be taken from young trees, and separated from all im- 
purities. 

For the bark of roots, take the roots of such herbs as have pith in 
them, as parsley, fennel, &c, slit them in the middle, and when you 
have taken out the pith, that which remains is called bark, and is only 
to be used. 

Of Juices. 

Juices are to be pressed out of herbs when they are young and 
tender, and also out of some stalks, and out of some flowers. 

Having gathered your herbs, when it is very dry, bruise them in 
a stone mortar, with a wooden pestle, then having put them into a 
canvas bag, press them, and take the juice and clarify it. - 

To clarify the juice, put it into a skillet or a pipkin, and set it over 
the fire, and when the skum rises, take it off; let it stand over the 
fire until no scum rises, and the juice is clarified. Then boil it until 
it acquires the thickness of honey when cold. 

Of Decoctions. 

Decoctions are made of leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, fruits or 
barks. Decoctions made with wine last longer than those made with 
water. All decoctions should be kept in glass bottles closely stop- 
ped ; and in a cool place. 

Of Vegetable Ointments. 

To make vegetable ointments, bruise the herbs or roots, and to two 
handfuls of bruised herbs add a pound of hog's lard ; beat them well 
together in a stone mortar with a wooden pestle, then put it into a 
stone or earthern pot, cover it with paper, and set it either in the sun 
or some other warm place, for three or four days ; then take it out, 
press it very hard ; to this lard then add as many more herbs bruised 
as before, and proceed in like manner ; if the ointment be not strong 
enough, do it the third or fourth time : the last time, boil it till the 
herbs be crisp, then strain it, pressing it hard, and to every pound of 
ointment add two ounces of turpentine, and as much wax. 



THE END. 



3477 



